Summary
Speakers asked the county to dedicate present-use value rollback taxes to a farmland preservation fund, citing the Queen Farm's $3 million sale as an example. Commissioners support the idea but note state funding lags land values and private money is needed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
Rollback taxes could add roughly $65,000 per $1 million of farmland sold to a preservation fund, per one speaker's estimate.
Farmers and anyone who values the county's rural landscape and local food supply.
Property-rights advocates caution against mechanisms that constrain what farmers can do with their land.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Commissioners Regular Evening - Jun 15, 2026
Haywood leads the state with 33 conservation easements protecting about 2,780 acres, but the state program got $46 million in requests last year and only $5 million to give. Officials are eyeing the Agricultural Growth Zone matching program (up to $2 million over three years) and lobbying legislators for more money.
Board of Commissioners Regular Evening - Mar 16, 2026
Speakers asked the county to dedicate present-use value rollback taxes to a farmland preservation fund, citing the Queen Farm's $3 million sale as an example. Commissioners support the idea but note state funding lags land values and private money is needed.
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