Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

​​​​​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 AE​As 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 preservin​g 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.

Snaps​hot