Virginia Franklin Civic Plus #103

Franklin County seeks a conservation-focused agricultural lease for Smith Farm

Franklin County, Virginia is seeking a tenant to farm approximately 79.3 acres at Smith Farm under a conservation-focused agricultural lease. - Government buyer: Franklin County, Virginia; Franklin County Finance Department. - Opportunity: Lease and agricultural operation of six tracts near Lovely Valley Road, for cropland use such as row crops and hay. - OEMs and vendors: No OEMs, manufacturers, or vendors are named; no specific products are requested. - Important requirements: - Protect the existing Nutrient Bank, pending Mitigation Bank, conservation easements, conserved areas, streams, wetlands, and conservation infrastructure. - Do not allow livestock into conserved areas or conduct industrial or intensive livestock operations. - Do not perform unauthorized land disturbance or drainage changes, or activities that cause chemical, nutrient, sediment, or other runoff impacts. - Biosolids application is prohibited. Manure application requires prior County approval and applicable permits. - Proposal information sought: Proposed fields and rent, agricultural experience, conservation and best-management practices, chemical-use safeguards, proposed improvements, and plans to protect conservation infrastructure. Evidence of insurance is required. - Selection considerations: Conservation compatibility, proposed rent, stewardship plans, experience and financial capacity, improvements, and ability to maintain the property and required insurance. The County may select the proposal it considers most advantageous, not necessarily the one offering the highest rent.

Description

Franklin County, Virginia is seeking sealed proposals from qualified individuals, farmers, agricultural businesses, or organizations to lease County-owned agricultural property at Smith Farm. The property comprises six tracts totaling approximately 79.3 acres off Lovely Valley Road; permitted agricultural use includes cropland such as row crops and hay. Agricultural operations must protect conserved areas associated with an existing Nutrient Bank, a pending Mitigation Bank, and other conservation restrictions. The initial lease term is one year, with up to four additional one-year terms, and proposals are due November 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

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