Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting

Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting Recap: Protecting Buncombe County’s Farmland

On August 19, 2025, the Agricultural Advisory Board convened to discuss strategies for preserving farmland and supporting agricultural development within Buncombe County. The meeting, attended by board members and a concerned resident, centered on key initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of local farms.

A primary focus was the ongoing effort to allocate a recently awarded $2 million Agricultural Growth Zone grant. Board members stressed the urgency of distributing these funds by 2027 to avoid losing valuable state matching dollars, indicating a commitment to proactive resource management. Discussions revolved around prioritizing projects within designated conservation focus areas while also considering unique circumstances, such as the Jeff Barnes property which borders game lands and presents a high-priority preservation opportunity despite falling outside those established areas. Several ongoing projects were also reviewed, including the Kestrel Herb and Okobochi Farm initiatives, with updates provided on their progress, challenges (like a landowner dispute affecting Southern Appalachian Farm), and anticipated timelines. The successful completion of the Parham Fortner project, funded by the open space bond, was noted as a significant milestone.

The board made several key decisions during the meeting. They reaffirmed their current leadership, reappointing the Chair and Vice-Chair for another year. Two applications for Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) and Environmental Value Assessment District (EVAD) programs were approved, providing crucial support for cost-sharing efforts on local farms. The agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were also formally approved, ensuring proper record-keeping.

Community engagement played a role in the discussion as well. A resident voiced concerns about increasing development pressures in the Arden area and sought information on land preservation initiatives. Board members responded by explaining the conservation easement process and encouraging them to consider applying for a seat on the board, demonstrating a willingness to engage with citizen concerns and foster broader participation.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified for the coming weeks. Board members will continue their outreach efforts to fill a vacant board position representing the Hominy-Candler-Arden area, with applications due soon. The clerk will gather and distribute applications to the board for review prior to the next meeting. Importantly, farm visits are planned in the coming weeks to allow board members to assess potential applicants’ properties firsthand. Finally, the board will dedicate significant time to developing a plan for allocating the $2 million Agricultural Growth Zone grant, ensuring that funds are strategically deployed to maximize their impact on farmland preservation. The status of the Bear Wallow track will also be monitored for potential donation easement consideration.

This meeting underscored the Agricultural Advisory Board’s dedication to safeguarding Buncombe County's agricultural heritage. By actively pursuing farmland preservation initiatives, responding to community concerns, and strategically utilizing grant funding, the board is working to ensure that local farms can thrive for generations to come. Residents interested in learning more about land preservation efforts or considering a board position are encouraged to contact the Board Clerk for further information.