The Greenbrier County Farmland Protection Board (GCFPB) has been busy securing permanent protection of agricultural land via the Farmland Protection Program. The Farmland Protection Program is a voluntary program that offers landowners the opportunity to sell or donate a permanent conservation easement on qualifying farmland, with the quality of the soil being the most important factor.
The most recent acquisitions total 660 acres, bringing the number of acres of farmland protected under this program to 3,855, with 18 parcels being protected.
Parcels from around the county are considered. Each parcel contributes specific conservation values. Every landowner has their own reason for protecting their property under the Farmland Protection Program.
Todd Boone protected 123 acres of land in the Irish Corner District of Greenbrier County. The property possesses prime, state and local agricultural soil, which is of high importance to the Program. When asked about the land being protected by the conservation easement, Boone stated, “I wanted to conserve this property in (my grandmother’s) name. My family has been living here since 1906 and my great grandmother and grandmother lived here all their lives looking out over these fields.”
Billy and Mindy McCormick protected 92 acres of land in the Irish Corner District of Greenbrier County. The property possesses state and local agricultural soil, which is of high importance to the Program. McCormick noted that his land “(has) been a farm a long time, its highly productive”. Participation in the program provides an opportunity to purchase additional land, farm implements or cattle, perform farm maintenance, updates, etc.
Rem and Mary Perkens protected 407 acres of land in the Frankford District of Greenbrier County. The property possesses state and local agricultural soil, which is of high importance to the program. “This has been a high quality farm for at least 150 years. This easement will make sure it stays a farm forever,” said Rem Perkins.
Dorris Ragsdale and Lynn Smith entered into a conservation agreement to protect their 38 acre farm in the District of Lewisburg from ever being developed. As stated by Dorris, “It has a lot of history, and it is important that it remains undeveloped.” Battle Hill Farms produced 17 U.S. and Canadian National Champion Arabians.
For additional information on the Farmland Protection Program, please contact Amy Moloney at 304-667-4877. Greenbrier and Monroe counties accept applications throughout the year, with the current deadline for FY26 applications being Sept. 30.
