Ag Advisory Board Meeting | May 19, 2026

The Buncombe County Government's Agricultural Advisory Board meeting on May 19, 2026, focused primarily on updates and discussions related to farmland preservation projects and associated policies. The board reviewed renewal applications for farmland preservation easements and received updates on several ongoing and completed projects, including Slender Valley and Kestrel Order. They discussed procedural aspects such as title work, appraisals, surveys, and ownership changes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to policy discussions, including the arm's length policy for project evaluation, appraisal standards, and stewardship monitoring protocols. The board considered the financial implications of paying for IRS appraisals for landowners, debating best practices and potential impacts on donations and tax benefits. They also reviewed monitoring guidelines and violation policies to ensure proper stewardship of preserved farmland. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussions on appraisal services and stewardship monitoring suggest potential future contracting opportunities. The board planned to revisit certain policy items in upcoming meetings and continue advancing farmland preservation efforts.