Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program helps farmers and local governments preserve farmland, protect soil and water, and minimize land use conflicts. Through participation in the program:

●  Counties develop farmland preservation plans.

●  Local governments can develop farmland preservation zoning districts.

●  Landowners and local governments together form Agricultural Enterprise Areas.

●  Landowners meet soil and water conservation standards to become eligible to claim an income tax credit.

But before farmers can claim credits in Green County, the Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) needs to do a few things… First we need to hear from rural landowners and farmers: are you interested in participating in the program? The LWCD committee has to decide in the next month or two if the LWCD should rewrite The Green County Farmland Preservation Plan. It was written in 2012. It was good for 10 years — but extended to the end of 2024. The LWCD is planning to update it “in house” to keep the costs to a minimum, but need to know, should this be a priority? Are you willing to speak up at the township or county level to say yes — let’s do this. It’s not obligating anyone to anything — its only paving the way for more to happen. Are landowners interested in $10 per acre tax credit (with no minimum or maximum) in exchange for meeting state conservation standards?

A county farmland preservation plan establishes trends and resources related to agriculture, documents policies and goals related to farmland protection and identifies lands that will remain in agricultural use for the foreseeable future. Counties with agricultural lands can use a farmland preservation plan to guide conservation and preservation efforts in the county. This plan also acts as the foundation for other aspects of the farmland preservation program including certified zoning, agricultural enterprise areas (AEAs) and farmland preservation agreements. The planning process is an opportunity for different levels of local government to cooperate and build relationships. When a county plans for farmland preservation, they are acknowledging that agricultural lands are integral to the future of that community.  What do you think — should landowners in Green County participate in the Farmland Preservation Program?

The LWCD needs a current certified plan in order for other layers to be built on top of it. Those possible layers are zoning — either through townships or the county or an Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA). An AEA is a community led effort establishing designated areas important to Wisconsin’s agricultural future. Once these layers are added on the planning base, then farmers can get into agreements that reward them with tax benefits.

So please, let your township planning commission, county supervisor or LWCD office know that you want this program used in Green County. Is it worth the County’s time to update a plan if no one is interested in using the program? If the LWCD doesn’t hear of interest, they won’t be spending the time to create another plan that sits on the shelf — those shelves are already pretty full.

The LWCD’s office number is 608-325-4195 ext 121 or stop in at the USDA service Center on the southwest side of Monroe at 1627 4th Ave West to chat about your concerns and interest.

— Tonya Gratz is with the Green County WI Land & Water Conservation. She can be reached at 608-325-4195 ext 121.