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 AEA petition cycle is now open. Petitions are due by July 28, 2023. To review petition materials, 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.
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 County
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
Antigo Flats AEA, Langlade County
Strengthening farming operations and conservation practices.
Snapshot
Friends in Agriculture AEA, Clark County
Preserving Clark County's rich agricultural history.
Snapshot
Greenville Greenbelt AEA, Outagamie County
Greenville Greenbelt AEA prioritizes land preservation and conservation practices.
Snapshot