Franklin County Public Schools Civicplus #103

Franklin County Smith Farm Agricultural Land Lease

Franklin County, Virginia, seeks proposals to lease agricultural land at Smith Farm for farming compatible with its conservation protections. - Government buyer: Franklin County, Virginia; Franklin County Finance Department. - Opportunity: Lease six tracts totaling approximately 79.3 acres at Smith Farm, off Lovely Valley Road, for agricultural use. - Permitted use: Cropland, including row crops and hay. Other uses require advance written approval. - Conservation requirements: Protect the Nutrient Bank, pending Mitigation Bank, conservation easements, restored streams, wetlands, Conserved Areas, and related infrastructure. Conserved Areas may not be entered or disturbed except as authorized. - Notable restrictions: No biosolids, intensive livestock operations, unauthorized land disturbance, or subleasing without consent. Operators must prevent runoff and chemical overspray into protected areas. Manure applications require prior approval from the Parks & Recreation Director, applicable permits, and soil incorporation within 72 hours. - Proposal information requested: Proposed annual rent and payment terms, fields to be used, agricultural experience and references, conservation and best-management practices, chemical-use and runoff controls, proposed improvements, infrastructure protections, and proof of liability insurance naming the County as an additional insured. - Evaluation: Conservation alignment, rent, stewardship plan, experience and financial capacity, proposed improvements, and insurance and maintenance capability; the highest rent is not necessarily decisive. - OEMs and vendors: No commercial OEMs, vendors, or suppliers are named; this is a land-lease opportunity.

Description

Franklin County invites sealed proposals to lease County-owned agricultural property at Smith Farm, consisting of six tracts totaling approximately 79.3 acres off Lovely Valley Road. The lease is for agricultural use, such as cropland, and has an initial one-year term with up to four additional one-year terms. Agricultural operations must protect the Nutrient Bank, pending Mitigation Bank, conservation easements, and other conserved areas; use or disturbance of those areas is restricted. Proposals are due November 5, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.

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