Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District Program

The purpose of the Wake County VAD program is to:

• Increase the visibility of farm communities in the county

• Focus more attention on the importance of these communities to the county

• Work with the county to make it easier for those who wish to stay in farming to continue doing so

• Advise the county on issues affecting agriculture

• Give farm owners a greater voice in local government decisions affecting their community

• Reduce conflicts between farm and non-farm land uses

 

Click the map to see the locations of the current Voluntary Agricultural Districts in Wake County 

Wake County VAD program summary:

• A seven (7)-member Agricultural Advisory Board will be appointed by the Wake County Board of Commissioners to manage the program. Five (5) members would be farm owners, one (1) member would work in agribusiness, and one (1) member would be a Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. All members would be recommended to the Commissioners for appointment by the Soil and Water Conservation District, Wake Cooperative Extension, the county FSA Committee, and the Wake County Farm Bureau. Until the Advisory Board is established, the Wake Soil and Water Conservation Board of Supervisors acts as the Advisory Board.
• The Advisory Board would consider applications from landowners to form agricultural districts; conduct hearings on public projects (roads, schools, etc.) that might have a negative effect on agriculture in a district; and advise the county on other issues affecting local agriculture.
• Farmers wishing to participate in the program sign a simple application indicating that they plan to remain in farming for the next 10 years. They can withdraw from the program at any time.
• Signs will be erected along the roads in Agricultural Districts, identifying them as such.
  Participants in the program are exempt from paying assessments for water/sewer lines extended past their property.
• All purchasers of land near agricultural districts are notified that they should expect dust, machinery noise, animal waste, chemical odors, and other similar conditions associated with living in a farming area.

If you are interested in participating in the Voluntary Agricultural District Program please complete the VAD Application and return it to the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District office. 

Or

For more information please contact the District Director Dale Threatt-Taylor at        919-250-1068