These programs recognize the importance of agriculture to the wellbeing of Lee County by encouraging voluntary preservation and protection of farmland from non-farm development. To be eligible, farmland, forestland and horticultural lands must meet the following requirements:
Be used for bona fide farm purposes as that term is defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-903 and contain at least one of the following contiguous acreages of farmland:
- 1 (one) acre of land in production for horticultural or agricultural purposes or
- 10 (ten) acres of land for field crops or livestock or
- 20 (twenty) acres of forestry production with a forestry management plan
VAD and EVAD Benefits:
- Preserves and maintains agricultural areas in the county
- Informs non-farming neighbors and potential land purchasers that the participating farm may emit noise, dust, and smells, which may avoid conflicts between neighbors and potential nuisance claims
- Gives the farming community an enhanced voice in decisions affecting farmland
- Conserves open space and natural resources as the county’s population and development expand.
Revised Lee County Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Ordinance Adopted by the Lee County Commissioners on 03/03/25
The purpose of Lee County's Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Ordinance is to encourage the preservation and protection of family farms, to increase the visibility of agricultural, forestry and horticultural operations and to protect and to promote these land uses.
An Agricultural Advisory Board has been appointed by the Lee County Commissioners to administer the program. N.C. Cooperative Extension in Lee County and Lee County Soil and Water District work closely with the Board in implementing the program.
The "Application to Serve on Boards/Commissions" is posted on line at the County website.
Farmland Preservation and Protection Program Brochure
North Carolina Voluntary Agriculture Districts Map (Updated 9-23-24)
County Voluntary Agricultural Districts Map - updated September 2024
_________________________________________________________
If you are interested in enrolling your land into either the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) program, please complete both the application and conservation agreement linked below and return to the N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center located at 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford N.C. 27332.
Lee County Voluntary Agricultural District and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Application
Lee County Voluntry Agricultural District Conservation Agreement
Lee County Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Conservation Agreement
_________________________________________________________
