Preserving Iredell County’s Agricultural Legacy: A Guide to Voluntary Farmland Preservation

Agriculture is more than an industry in Iredell County—it is the cornerstone of our local economy, heritage, and identity. As growth and development continue to transform the Piedmont region, protecting our valuable agricultural and forestry lands is essential for maintaining our open space, supporting local food production, and sustaining farm families.

Through the Iredell County Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program, local farmers and landowners have a flexible, voluntary pathway to protect working lands from non-farm development while securing local support against nuisance conflicts.

Why Farmland Preservation Matters

Adopted by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 61, the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Ordinance recognizes the essential role agriculture plays in the economic and cultural vitality of our community.

Participation in the program offers key benefits for farmers, landowners, and the broader community:

• Nuisance Mitigation: Establishes designated Farmland Districts to inform nearby property purchasers that standard agricultural activities—such as pesticide application, manure spreading, machinery operation, and livestock care—may take place at any time.
• Protection of Right-to-Farm: Limits circumstances under which participating agricultural operations can be considered a public nuisance.
• Advisory & Advocacy Support: The Farmland Preservation Board actively advises the Board of Commissioners on county zoning amendments, agricultural policies, and land conservation tools.
• Community Awareness: Officially designated farms receive signage indicating their status in an Agricultural District, promoting public recognition of local farming contributions.

Program Qualification Requirements

To qualify for designation under the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program, agricultural properties must meet the following baseline standards:

CriteriaProgram RequirementMinimum AcreageMust consist of at least 25 contiguous acres, OR be located within 1 mile of an existing Agricultural District, OR form a joint district with 2+ qualifying farms.Voluntary AgreementLandowners sign a non-binding preservation agreement restricting non-farm commercial development for at least 10 years (with provisions for limited family lots).Land ActivityProperty must be actively managed for agriculture or forestry.Application ProcessSubmission of a completed Farmland Application to the Iredell County Planning & Development Department.

How to Apply & Get Involved

Joining the program is straightforward and open to all qualified agricultural and forest owners across Iredell County.

1. Review Program Information: Download the Farmland Information Brochure and Farmland Ordinance from the Iredell County Farmland Preservation Portal.
2. Submit Application: Complete the official Farmland Application form and submit it to the Planning & Development Department.
3. Board Review: The Iredell County Farmland Preservation Board evaluates submitted applications for district inclusion.
4. District Designation: Approved farms receive official county district mapping and field signage sponsored by local agricultural partners.

For more information, application materials, or questions regarding Farmland District locations, visit the Iredell County Planning & Development Department at the Government Center in Statesville, or contact the local Iredell County Cooperative Extension Office.