Buncombe County Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting, Oct. 21, 2025

Buncombe County Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting Recap: October 21, 2025

On October 21st, the Buncombe County Agricultural Advisory Board convened to discuss farmland preservation efforts, welcome a new member, and address ongoing projects impacting local agriculture. The meeting provided updates on several key initiatives aimed at protecting Buncombe County's valuable farmland and supporting local farmers.

Protecting Farmland & Supporting Farmers: Key Decisions & Approvals

The Board took several important steps to safeguard Buncombe County's agricultural heritage. They unanimously approved the agendas and minutes from their previous meeting, ensuring accurate record-keeping. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and approving five applications for Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VAD) and Easement Acquisition Districts (EVAD). These designations provide landowners with incentives to preserve their farmland, protecting it from development and ensuring its continued use for agricultural purposes. The Board also approved seven projects previously presented to the County Commissioners, authorizing transaction costs associated with these land preservation deals.

A Look at Ongoing Projects & Challenges

Ariel Zeif, Farmland Preservation Manager, delivered a comprehensive update on current projects. Progress is being made across several fronts, including finalizing letters of intent and conservation easement agreements for landowners involved in the Tone Haller easements. The Board also approved an exclusion area for Steiner Hill, reflecting a change in project scope. While many projects are moving forward successfully – including the Kestrel Herb Battle and Sandy Holler initiatives, slated to close in January – challenges remain. The Community Farm Expansion project, spearheaded by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, is currently on hold due to a legal dispute with a neighboring landowner. The long-standing Scott Fisher project, facing title issues after years of work, will require further discussion and potentially legal counsel at a future meeting.

Addressing Hurricane Delays & Securing Funding

Due to delays caused by Hurricane Helene, the Board will need to request supplemental funding from existing funds rather than seeking new bond allocations. This request will cover necessary appraisal updates for the Rogers Farm projects, ensuring accurate valuations and smooth transactions. The Board is also preparing to present two Local Conservation Assistance Program (LCAP) projects for supplemental budget requests to the County Commissioners on November 4th.

Welcoming a New Voice: Joel Mahari Joins the Board

The meeting marked a warm welcome for new board member, Joel Mahari, owner of Smokin' J’s Fiery Foods in Candler. Mr. Mahari shared his experience as a chili pepper farmer and manufacturer, emphasizing the importance of value-added agricultural products in Buncombe County’s economy. His unique perspective, focusing on processing and selling farm goods directly to consumers, was acknowledged by Board Chair Chase Hubbard as a valuable addition to the group.

What's Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting: Martha Ross and Ariel Zeif will schedule an onboarding session for Mr. Mahari to ensure he's fully integrated into the Board’s work. The Scott Fisher project will be revisited at a future meeting to explore solutions for the ongoing title issues. Finally, the Board will continue communicating with landowners and relevant organizations to ensure projects stay on track.

Why This Matters to You: The Agricultural Advisory Board plays a crucial role in preserving Buncombe County's rural character and supporting our local farmers. Their efforts help protect open spaces, maintain agricultural viability, and contribute to the unique identity of our community. By safeguarding farmland through easements and supporting innovative agricultural businesses like Mr. Mahari’s, the Board is working to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for Buncombe County's agricultural sector.