Voluntary Agricultural Districts

(Updated: July 22, 2025, 3:34 p.m.)

Do you own farmland in Duplin County and want to preserve its agricultural heritage for future generations? Consider enrolling in the Duplin County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) Program. The VAD program is designed for landowners interested in farmland preservation as a voluntary means to identify the property as agricultural land that is used for farming or forestry. The land must be enrolled in the Present Use Value (PUV) program with the Duplin County Tax Office and be in production with 10 or more acres of crop or forage land or 20 or more acres of forest land. Contact the Duplin Extension Office for more information or to apply for the VAD program at 910-296-2143.

The program is coordinated by N. C. Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the VAD Board, representing the county districts as well as four ex-officio members from the Duplin County Planning Department, the Duplin County Register of Deeds, the Duplin Agribusiness Council, and the Duplin Extension Office.

What are the benefits of joining the Duplin County VAD?
Increase the identity, awareness, and pride in agriculture and its way of life
Reduce the likelihood of negative impacts affecting participating farms
The program is voluntary - landowners may withdraw upon request as needed through written notification
Low cost - $60 to join and includes a sign and recording fees for the Register of Deeds office.

Photo of Voluntary Agricultural District Board, April 2025.
Front (left to right): Amanda Hatcher, County Extension Director; Melissa Wallace, VAD Board Member; Wanda Hargrove, Administrative Support.
Back (left to right):
Noah Simpson, VAD Board Alternate; James Sauls III, VAD Board Alternate; Cynthia Blackmore, VAD Board Member; John W. Kilpatrick, VAD Board Member; Jeff English, VAD Board Alternate; Jeb Smith, VAD Board Alternate; Cole Smith, Soil & Water Liaison. Not pictured: Board Members and Alternates: Baird Kilpatrick, George Mainor, Anita Savage, Ron Simmons, Chris Hatcher, Morris Murphy. (Photo courtesy of K.D. Beard, Duplin Journal)

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