The Chatham County Farmland Preservation Program has received over $300,000 in grants from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The program will use these funds, specifically $295,443 from the Agricultural Growth Zone grant, to acquire permanent conservation easements and further protect the county’s farmland. An additional $7,375 was awarded to boost resources for local landowners, providing long-term agricultural benefits.

The grants come at a pivotal time, as Chatham County continues to prioritize farmland preservation through the Article 46 tax referendum, passed in 2020. Local officials anticipate announcing the 2024 grant schedule in October.