Robeson County has a strong agricultural heritage. However, the number of farmers in the county continues to decrease each year while the number of homes built out in the county by people who do not farm increases each year. In spite of this, agriculture still remains a major segment of our local economy.

A recent study conducted by North Carolina Cooperative Extension reveals that Robeson County citizens are concerned about the future of agriculture. Of particular concern is our growing population and loss of farmland to residential development.

Citizens also noted a decline in commercial agriculture and full-time farming operations. They expressed the need to preserve Robeson County's farming legacy for future generations.

Several things are happening that will create even more pressure on preserving our farmlands and the farming heritage that so many of us treasure. A major segment of Interstate 74 has just been completed, and other segments will be upgraded during the next few years. In coming years, all lands along this corridor will be subjected to more pressure for either commercial or residential development.

BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) efforts will move lots of military people and their families into our areas, and many of them will want to live out in the country. Companies and businesses will follow this population growth, requiring even more of our farmland for development.

The unstable economy is causing problems for everyone. Many landowners feel the need to sell a few acres of farmland for residential development, so they can pay bills or maintain their standard of living. Others see the downturn in the real estate market as a great opportunity to purchase rural properties for horse farms, industrial development, or other nonfarm uses.

Robeson County farmers and landowners have several options available to help them sustain their farming operations and protect their land. Present Use Value Taxation Programs allow lands that are being used for farming to be taxed at the farm value, although the property could be used for residential or commercial development at far higher values.

Farmers, producers, and commercial animal farmers are exempt from sales tax on seeds, fertilizer, lime, packing materials, feed, and tangible personal property. Machinery purchased or leased for farming use is subject to a 1 percent tax with a maximum tax of $80 per article. To qualify for the exemption, farmers must complete an Agricultural Certificate prepared by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

Landowners may elect to lease their property to farmers who will keep the land in production agriculture. Leasing property for farm use may affect the status of that property under the Present Use Value Taxation Program. Lease rates are negotiable but typically range from $25 - $60 per acre per year, depending upon the condition of the farm, soil type, and productivity. This provides the landowner some income and usually more than covers the expense of property taxes. By offering an extended lease term, landowners provide farmers the incentive to invest in farming inputs that enhance property appearance and land values such as liming, fencing, and increasing farm productivity. Both parties are strongly encouraged to consider fairly specific written lease agreements instead of vague, verbal agreements.

Conservation Reserve Programs (CRP) are voluntary programs available for landowners and agricultural producers. Through CRP, annual rental payments and cost-share assistance is available to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland. These programs are administered through the Farm Service Agency.

Voluntary Agricultural Districts are being developed for the county. Since it is a voluntary program, landowners are not required to participate. If they do, they may withdraw at any time. This is more of an awareness program to inform those who want to build homes in rural areas that some of the farm practices they may find objectionable may be a part of everyday life for rural residents. Many people without farm backgrounds who move to the rural areas do not realize that odors, noise, dust, and big equipment working day and night are normal occurrences.

A Farmland Preservation Plan will soon be available in the county. Efforts are underway at this time to survey a large number of farmers, rural nonfarm residents, and agribusinessmen about their concerns and recommendations. When this plan is completed, it will provide directions for the protection of our valuable farmlands. It may suggest provisions to allow farmers to voluntarily agree to forego developing their property for a specific period of time in exchange for something else of value. This something else may be tax reductions, monetary payments, or exchanges for other property or easements.

Those participating in Extension meetings will be asked to participate in the survey. Members of all FFA Chapters in the county will be distributing surveys in their communities to ensure we have representation from all areas of the county. Phone calls will be made to some of the major decision makers in the county.

Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to provide input into the development of a Farmland Preservation Plan that will best suit the needs of our county. We have a strong agricultural heritage, and we want to keep it.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 06/09/09