Agricultural enterprise areas, or AEAs, are community led efforts establishing designated areas important to Wisconsin’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 2025 Agricultural Enterprise Area petition cycle is currently open. Petitions will be accepted until August 1, 2025. If you are interested in learning more about petitioning for a new AEA or modifying an existing AEA to add additional lands, or 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.
Apple Lake AEA, Emphasis on Polk County
Polk County works with landowners to plan for farmland preservation protections.
Snapshot
Montana Society for Responsible Land Use AEA
Town comes together to protect and preserve local farmland.
Snapshot
Greenville Greenbelt AEA, Outagamie County
Community prioritizes land preservation and conservation practices.
Snapshot
West Point AEA, Columbia County
West Point AEA connects farmers and lake communities to protect local resources.
Snapshot
