Farmland Preservation

Farmland Preservation Agreements

Eligible farmers located in a designated AEA may enter into voluntary farmland preservation agreements with the state in order to claim the farmland preservation tax credits. By entering into this agreement, a farmer agrees to keep land in agricultural use for the period of time specified in the agreement. Agreements must be for at least 15 years. Application materials are available by clicking the links below.

Click here to see if your farm is located in a designated AEA.

Application for a farmland preservation agreement (6 page PDF)
Application instructions (5 page PDF)
Sample farmland preservation agreement (6 page PDF)

For more information about farmland preservation agreements and the farmland preservation tax credit:

FAQs: Farmland Preservation Agreements (5 page PDF)
Farmland Preservation Tax Credit information sheet
Contact Kris Modaff, 608-224-4633, kris.modaff@wi.gov

Modifying a farmland preservation agreement (pre-June 20, 2009 or under 2009 WI Act 374)

Landowners with a farmland preservation agreement signed prior to June 30, 2009, or that was entered into under 2009 WI Act 374 may modify the existing agreement to become eligible for the $5 per acre per year farmland preservation credit available under the new program. Application materials for modifying a farmland preservation agreement are available by clicking the links below.

Considerations for modification of a farmland preservation agreement

Application for modification of a farmland preservation agreement

Instructions for modification of a farmland preservation agreement

Agreement form sample (pre-2004)

Agreement form sample (post-2004)

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

DATCP provides services to educate, inform, and protect Wisconsin consumers.

DATCP licenses individuals, business and locations to protect human and animal health, the environment, and consumers.

DATCP regulates and helps develop agribusinesses including farms, and also regulates some other businesses to protect consumers.

Wisconsin farms produce milk, livestock, grain, vegetables, poultry and many other agricultural products.

DATCP protects food safety in processing, sales and storage, and promotes Wisconsin foods.

DATCP houses the State Veterinarian’s office, with authority for disease surveillance and control.

DATCP provides services to educate, regulate and protect our land and water resources.

DATCP works to protect plants and crops from harmful insects and disease.

DATCP works to assure safe food, healthy people, animals, plants and environment, vibrant agriculture and fair business practices.

Farmland Preservation