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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About New Hanover County
New Hanover County sits within the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) region. Elevation averages about 15 feet.
Temperatures in New Hanover County range from a January mean low of 35°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 58.0 inches.
New Hanover County ran 60 farms and 1,898 acres of farmland in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, honey, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Floriculture, Vegetables, Honey, Fruit & tree nuts, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving New Hanover County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
801 South Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for New Hanover County Operations
Based on New Hanover County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture programs support local food production while coastal conservation practices protect sensitive salt marsh ecosystems. Small farm initiatives help beginning farmers establish vegetable operations for local markets.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Brunswick County, North Carolina and Pender County, North Carolina. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in New Hanover County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Carolina guide: North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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