Charlotte Region Farms Shrink in Number, Grow in Size, Report Finds
A new report from the Charlotte Urban Institute indicates that the number of farms in the 14-county Charlotte region is decreasing, while the existing farms are increasing in size. This trend's implications for local agriculture are being discussed with Roland…
Charlotte, NC, August 7, 2026 —
A recent report by the Charlotte Urban Institute reveals a significant trend in the 14-county Charlotte region: a decline in the total number of farms, coupled with an increase in the average size of the remaining agricultural operations.
The findings suggest a consolidation within the local agricultural landscape. While specific figures on the rate of farm disappearance or the extent of farm size increase were not detailed in the summary, the overall pattern indicates a shift in how land is utilized for farming in the region.
Roland McReynolds, executive director of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, has been discussing the implications of this trend for local agriculture. The association typically advocates for sustainable farming practices and supports farmers in the region.
The report’s conclusions raise questions about the future of small-scale farming, land access for new farmers, and the economic viability of different farm models within the Charlotte metropolitan area and its surrounding counties. The decrease in farm numbers could impact local food systems, biodiversity, and the rural character of the region.
Further details regarding the methodology of the Charlotte Urban Institute’s report, the specific time frame of the data, and detailed statistics on farm numbers and sizes are anticipated to provide a clearer picture of the changes occurring in the region’s agricultural sector. The discussions with McReynolds are expected to shed light on the potential consequences and possible responses to this ongoing trend.
Story summarized from the original created by Marshall Terry on www.wfae.org, see more information here.
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