Agricultural enterprise areas, or AEAs, are community led efforts establishing designated areas important toWisconsin’s agricultural future. More specifically, an AEA is an area of productive agriculture that has received designation from the state at the request of landowners and local governments. As a part of the state’s Farmland
Preservation Program, AEAs strive to support local farmland protection goals.
Local communities can voluntarily pursue designation of an AEA by submitting a petition to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Through this designation, the community can encourage continued agricultural production and investment in the agricultural economy. Landowners within designated AEAs are eligible to enter into voluntary farmland preservation agreements.
Potato Hilling, Fairfield AEA Sauk
County|Photo Credit: Sauk County LRED
The 2023 Agricultural Enterprise Area petition cycle is closed. For information about the petition process and to see previous years petition materials, including previous years instructions and examples of successful petitions, please visit
How to Petition for Designation.
Check out the newest Snapshots with updates on AEAs around the state. To view any previously published Snapshot, visit the
Designated AEA Webpage.
Town of Grant AEA, Dunn and Chippewa Counties
Landowner led conservation efforts protect woodlands and local water quality.
Snapshot
Greenville Greenbelt AEA, Outagamie County
Community prioritizes land preservation and conservation pratices.
Snapshot
Fields, Waters and Woods AEA, Ashland & Bayfield Counties
Conserving natural resources through farmland preservation and nutrient management.
Snapshot
West Point AEA, Columbia County
West Point AEA Connects Farmers and Lake Wisconsin Community.
Snapshot
Heart of America's Dairyland, Emphasis on Marathon
ty
Protecting local agricultural industry and preserving rich farmland.
Snapshot
Bear Creek AEA, Sauk County
County connects with landowners to preserve farmland and promote conservation goals.
Snapshot
