Ag Economic Development
General Information
Durham County’s viability and economic strength began with its steadfast engagement in agriculture and revenue received from tobacco. As the popularity and use of tobacco products decreased over the years, the industry transitioned to providing other agricultural products and services.
Currently, agriculture in Durham County is under threat. The growth of the Triangle area has increased developmental pressures over the years. This has led to an unprecedented loss of Durham’s irreplaceable farmland acreage.
It is the goal of Durham Soil and Water Conservation staff and District Board and the Farmland Protection Advisory Board to encourage the preservation of farmland through conservation cost-share programs, education and outreach, and programs to voluntarily or permanently protect land. We must preserve farmland now to protect farming for future generations and the rich history of Durham County’s agricultural roots.
Farmland Protection Advisory Board
The Farmland Protection Advisory Board seeks to promote the best use of land in Durham County so that development and growth will be accompanied by the protection of our attractive and ecologically desirable farms and forests. The board actively works with farmers, the community, government entities, agencies and other resources. Together, they work to identify and implement strategies for preservation and enhancement of the farming community by protecting land and soils for future generations.
Landowners have several options for protecting their land, including:
Agricultural Economic Development Grants
The Durham Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program provides cost-share grants for farmers, nonprofits, and schools to assist in their agricultural endeavors. Funds from the program have been used to purchase farm equipment, build Outdoor Education Learning Centers in schools, invest in marketing, and more.
The Ag Economic Grant Program provides two types of grants:
- Small grants for Agricultural Development in schools: up to $1,500
- Grants for Farmers: up to $10,000
The Durham County Board of County Commissioners has allocated $250,000 for the 2025 Fiscal Year.
Voluntary Agriculture Districts
Through the work of the Durham Farmland Protection Board and Durham County Government, we have a Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program. Under this program, farmers sign an agreement with the County Government to voluntarily forgo developing their property for 10 years in exchange for several benefits to the landowner.
Since its inception, over 100 participants have committed 8,261 acres to the VAD program in Durham County.
Watershed Rules
To restore water quality in Jordan Lake and Falls Lake, the NC Environmental Management Commission adopted a Nutrient Management Strategy for each watershed. Both strategies establish rules for reducing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from entering the lakes.
To accomplish the reductions, the strategies have goals for specific groups. Agricultural operations and owners of livestock above the set threshold automatically fall under the Agricultural Rule in both lakes’ strategies and are subject to the rules.