Farmland
Preservation
Eight
Year Program
- Under this program, landowners voluntarily restrict
non-agricultural development on their land for eight years.
In exchange, participants are eligible for cost-sharing
grants for soil and water conservation projects and other
statutory benefits and protections.
Easement
Purchase - Most permanently preserved farmland is
enrolled in the Easement Purchase Program, under which
landowners sell the development rights on their land to
the County Agriculture Development Board (CADB). Compensation
for this sale is based on the appraised value the development
rights on the land. The landowner retains ownership of
the land and is eligible for certain benefits and protections.
Easement
Donation - Some landowners have taken advantage of
the significant income and estate tax benefits of the
Easement Donation Program. Under this program development
easements are donated, rather than sold, to either the
State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) or CADB.
The easement donor receives the same benefits and protections
as other participants in the Farmland Preservation Program
and the farmland is permanently preserved.
Fee
Simple - Under this program, farms are acquired by
the SADC based on their fair market values and are subsequently
auctioned to private owners after agricultural deed restrictions
are in place. This option is best for landowners who do
not want to retain ownership of the land.
