Agriculture and agribusiness remain North Carolina’s leading industry, contributing more than $111 billion annually to the state’s economy. However, farmland loss continues to be a concern. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture from the United States Department of Agriculture, the number of farms in the state has declined as development pressure increases. The loss of farmland can reduce farm-related income, limit access to locally produced food and decrease wildlife habitat and open space.
Agriculture also plays an important role in Davie County’s economy and rural character. The 2022 Census of Agriculture reports that Davie County has approximately 74,000 acres of farmland across about 540 farms, with an average farm size of roughly 137 acres. Local agriculture generates more than $30 million in annual agricultural sales, with livestock production accounting for a slight majority of those sales.
Programs such as Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs) and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (EVADs) help protect farmland by encouraging its preservation and limiting non-farm development. The Davie County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s VAD and EVAD ordinance on January 7, 2008, and a Farmland Protection Plan was developed in 2016 to guide local farmland preservation efforts.
Currently, 67 farms totaling 8,054 acres are enrolled in the Davie County VAD program. To qualify, farms must be actively engaged in agriculture, follow erosion control practices defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and agree to limit non-farm development for at least ten years. Agreements are revocable for VAD participants and irrevocable for EVAD participants during the ten-year period.
Applications for the program are available through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Davie County Center, located at 642 Wilkesboro Street in Mocksville. A $75 application fee is required, but will be refunded if the application is not approved. Approved applicants receive a Davie County Agricultural District road sign, a mailbox sign and paid recording fees.
For more information, contact Marsha McGraw at the Davie County Extension Center at 336-753-6100.
