Farmland Preservation

Farmland Preservation Planning

Counties are scheduled to revise their farmland preservation plans to meet new requirements designed to better protect farmland. These plans, once certified by DATCP, ensure access to program benefits such as landowner eligibility for farmland preservation program (FPP) tax credits. DATCP will be offering planning grants to help counties revise their plans. Planning guidance is available below to assist with development of the revised farmland preservation plans.

Information Sheet: Planning (2 page PDF)
Guide for Developing County Farmland Preservation Plans (20 page PDF)
Interactive Map (shows farmland preservation areas certified since July 1, 2009) New!

Plan Revision Schedule

For many counties, the new FPP law establishes a staggered timeframe for plan revisions based upon county population growth, but some county plans will be revised according to a different schedule based on a specific date in their currently certified plan. A county may request extension of the scheduled certification expiration date for up to 2 years if this delay is necessary to coordinate with the county’s comprehensive planning process.

The links below list specific certification expiration dates for existing county plans:

Plan certification expiration dates (4 page PDF)
Farmland Preservation Plan Certification Expiration Dates (Population Density Change) (2 page PDF)

Certification of a Farmland Preservation Plan

Counties must meet new requirements for plan certification including a clear articulation of county policies related to preserving farmland and promoting agricultural development, including development of enterprises related to agriculture. To obtain certification for up to 10 years from DATCP, a county must submit a completed application form.

County Application for Farmland Preservation Plan Certification (8 page Word Doc)

Planning Assistance

Farmland preservation planning grants are available to reimburse counties for up to 50% of the costs of preparing a farmland preservation plan, with a maximum grant of up to $30,000. Each year through 2015, DATCP will solicit applications from counties based on the expiration dates of their certified plans. All counties are eligible to receive a grant. Counties that have signed planning grant contracts can download the form from the table below:

FARMLAND PRESERVATION PLANNING GRANT
Step in Pocess	Application	Reimbursement Request Form
Round 1 Counties: Brown, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, La Crosse, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, St. Croix, Walworth, Washington, Winnebago	Application Package (due January 11, 2010)	Round 1 Reimbursement Request Form
Round 2 Counties: Chippewa, Columbia, Door, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Green, Marathon, Pierce, Polk, Sauk, Sheboygan	Application Package (due Jan 14, 2011)	Round 2 Reimbursement Request Form
Round 3 Counties :
Round 4 Counties :
Round 5 Counties :

Contact DATCPWorkingLands@wisconsin.gov with questions.

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