Farmland Preservation

Wisconsin's Farmland Preservation Law provides tax credits to landowners who have signed a Farmland Preservation Agreement or a Transition Area Agreement.  The Exclusive Ag Zoning Program uses the Farmland Preservation Program standards to implement its program.

The three purposes of the program are:

1. To help local government preserve farmland through local planning and zoning.
2. To provide tax relief to farmland owners who sign a contract agreeing not to develop their land during the contract period, or if their land is zoned for exclusive agricultural use.  (Only Alden and McKinley Townships have Exclusive Ag. Zoning)
3. To encourage conservation practices on farmland.

Who is Eligible?

Land:

• Parcel must be 35 acres or larger
• Land must produce $6,000 gross farm receipts in the last year or $18,000 in the last 3 years or 35 acres or more are enrolled in the federal conservation reserve program.
• Land must be farmed in compliance with county soil and water conservation standards.
• Land must be in agricultural area to be preserved on agricultural preservation plan map.

Individual:

• Must be farmer owner.
• Must be resident of Wisconsin.

What are the Zoning Provisions?

Benefits:

• Landowner is eligible for an income tax credit.
• Landowner is protected from special assessments (such as sewer or water utilities).
• Land must be agricultural or consistent with agricultural use.

Requirements:

• Land must be kept in Ag. use.
• Only farm structures can be built (Farm structures include housing for farmers, farm workers, and parents or children of the farm operator).
• Conditional use or special exceptions are limited to Ag-related, religious, utility, institutional or governmental uses.