We're losing too much land to runaway development
Our state is worst in the nation for losing farmland to low-density residential development
Henderson County's Rural Character, Agricultural Economy, Forests, Natural Resources, and Water Quality Are At Risk
NC ranks second nationally for farmland loss. Henderson County has suffered dramatic farmland conversion. We lost 8,356 acres (nearly 20%) of working farm and forestlands from 2017-2022.
Henderson has nearly 65,000 residents living inside of a food desert. As farmland loss strains communities, food deserts grow, leaving families in vulnerable positions.
Farmland loss worsens affordability. Reducing food production > increases dependence on imported food and commercial groceries > carries higher costs > compounds affordability barriers.
Data sources: Henderson County government 2026 Farmland Report and The American Farmland Trust 2026 analysis as reported by NC State Extension.
Open Space Conservation Bonds Are Proven to Deliver for North Carolina Taxpayers
Now is the time to act to protect our farms, forests, and drinking water. The Farmland Bond can provide the increased investment we need to preserve our farms forever.
Over the last 30 years, NC voters have approved 48 county and municipal bond ballot measures that included funding to protect land for open space, farmland, or recreation.
Buncombe County's 2022 $30 million conservation bond referendum is a real-world regional success story. That bond has preserved 2,598 acres of working farmland and forests.
Data sources: North Carolina ballot measure data provided by Trust for Public Lands. Buncombe County data is available on their County Bonds Dashboard.
Vote Yes Nov. 3 for Our Farms, Our Forests, Our Drinking Water
All photos are of Henderson County farms and landscapes. All photos were supplied by Henderson County farmers and conservationists. Used with permission. Information on the threats posed by unchecked development and our community’s priorities for conservation are included in the Henderson County 2045 Comprehensive Plan adopted by our County Commission.