ve detected that you are using an outdated browser." />Please use a new browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge to improve your experience.
ve detected that you are using an outdated browser." />
Learn about federal, state and local approaches to retain agricultural land for agriculture. The information on these pages provides an overview of key farmland protection programs and policies. In addition, you will find links to fact sheets, statutes and sample documents.
Jump to Section 1. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2. Farmland Protection Policy Act 3. National Resources Inventory 4. Regional Conservation Partnership ProgramThe USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) implements the key federal policies and programs that protect the nation’s farm and ranch land and assist private landowners with natural resource concerns.
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), administered by USDA NRCS, is a voluntary conservation program that protects agricultural land from conversion to non-farm uses and conserves and restores wetlands. ACEP has two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to conserve farm and ranch lands, grasslands, and wetlands.
Under the Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) component, USDA NRCS partners with eligible entities to buy agricultural conservation easements on working agricultural lands, keeping land available for agriculture by limiting non-farm development. The program also supports agricultural viability by providing liquid capital for farmers to invest in their operations and strengthens the agricultural sector in communities with participating farms.
Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) component, USDA NRCS partners with eligible private landowners and American Indian tribes to restore, enhance, and protect wetlands through the purchase of a wetland reserve easement. Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduce flooding; recharge groundwater; protect biological diversity; provide resilience to climate change and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.
