Wake County is taking another step in protecting its rural landscape by permanently preserving its sixth farm through the Farmland Preservation Program. The Freeman Garcia Farm, a 28-acre family-owned property located just outside of Rolesville in northern Wake County, will now be protected from future development. While this working farm continues to be privately owned, and is not open to the public, it will ensure that this land is protected for the future production of food, open space and wildlife habitat.
“In 2022, the Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the Farmland Preservation Ordinance, showing their commitment to protecting farmland,” said Donald Mial, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “With this farm, we have permanently protected a total of 344 acres. Preserving farmland is about more than just protecting open space; it’s about supporting our agricultural future and keeping the area’s character.”
The Freeman Garcia Farm is a family tree farm with a focus on wildlife habitat. The property is predominantly woodland, featuring a mix of hardwood forest and loblolly pines. It also contains over 800 linear feet of stream and sensitive wetland wildlife habitat. The Wake Soil and Water Conservation District has certified that 94% of the farm’s soils are considered prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance.
This conservation easement is valued at over $1.8 million, funded through a partnership between Wake County, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and a generous contribution from the landowner. Wake County will provide up to $500,000 from a fund specifically reserved for farmland preservation, while the North Carolina Department of Agriculture will contribute roughly $494,000. The Freeman Garcia Revocable Trust, the landowner, is contributing the remaining value.
This action supports Growth, Land Use, and Environment Goal 3: Protect 1,000 acres of green space, including open space, parks, greenways, farmland and forests by 2029.