Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting | March 17, 2026

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Agricultural Advisory Board convened on March 17, 2026, to review ongoing farmland preservation projects, approve applications, and discuss stewardship program improvements. The meeting addressed the status of multiple Agricultural Zone (AGZ) easement projects, including recent closures and pending legal issues, and concluded with a unanimous vote to enter a closed session to discuss specific project details and issues.

Key Decisions The board approved the minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting without dissent. Additionally, the board approved a Voluntary Agricultural Designation (VAD) and Enhanced VAD (EVAD) application without dissent. The board also passed a unanimous motion to enter a closed session to discuss current projects and examples of issues.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to status updates on eight ongoing AGZ projects. Staff reported that preliminary title reviews are complete for all projects, with detailed work continuing. Notable updates included the imminent closure of the Splendor Valley Farm project, a five-year initiative involving 23 acres in Sandy Mush that had previously faced delays due to subordination agreements and a federal shutdown. Board members expressed excitement regarding this closure.

The board also discussed the Battle Property, where a right-of-way deed must be finalized by the landowner before the easement can close. The Southern Appalachian Community Farm Expansion is expected to close within the month after resolving landowner disputes and updating title work, after which the Jenkins Valley Project will resume with surveying beginning in a couple of months. Regarding the Okobochi Property, the board acknowledged a complex situation involving a lawsuit between a Homeowners Association (HOA) and a landowner, which has paused the easement closure. The board expressed hope for a swift resolution.

In the stewardship segment, the board discussed moving away from their current contract with Equinox for monitoring toward a more direct approach to landowner engagement. They plan to provide stewardship updates annually after the monitoring season.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to send a clean and redlined copy of the VAD/EVAD draft to stakeholders before the April meeting, after which the board will schedule another discussion to review changes and vote again. Staff will request an extension for the Splendor Valley Farm federal contract, which expires on March 30. The board will reach out to Jane Macklin regarding her interest in an easement and continue to check in with landowners regarding the Rogers Farm Trust property. Additionally, staff will prepare a document related to the project updates.

Impact These updates reflect the board’s ongoing efforts to secure farmland protection in Buncombe County. The closure of the Splendor Valley Farm marks the completion of a long-term acquisition in Sandy Mush, adding prime soils to the protected lands network. The board’s shift toward direct landowner engagement in the stewardship program aims to improve communication and support for farmers, while the review of VAD/EVAD rules ensures that agricultural designations remain aligned with current economic and development standards.