Editor’s note: This is an updated version of a release originally sent Jan. 23. The Mount Olive date has been changed and a firm date has been set for Franklin.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30, 2013

Voluntary Ag District workshops to be held around the state

RALEIGH – The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will assist in hosting five workshops across the state for local governments interested in protecting their communities’ agricultural lands.

The Voluntary Agricultural District workshops are for agricultural advisory board members, county representatives, program staff, farmers and anyone responsible for, or interested in, developing and administering voluntary and enhanced voluntary agricultural plans.

Workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• Feb. 4 - Vernon James Center, Plymouth
• Feb. 18 - Mount Olive College, Mount Olive (note: date has been updated)
• Feb. 25 - Koury Business Center at Elon University, Elon
• March 6 - Catawba Agricultural Center, Newton
• March 22 - Cowee School, Franklin

Topics covered at the workshops include state and federal program incentives for participation, farmland protection plan development, working with the N.C. Department of Transportation and updates on hot-button issues, such as voluntary agricultural district programs, the farm bill, estate tax changes and more.

North Carolina currently has 84 counties with active Voluntary Agricultural Districts.

For more information and to register for the free workshops, go to www.ncadfp.org/vadprogram.htm.

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