The 2025 Agricultural Enterprise Area petition cycle is in full swing. Petition materials for new designations and modifications to existing AEAs are available at the link below. Petitions will be accepted until Aug. 1.
Petition link: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AEAPetitionInfo.aspx
An AEA designation provides tools to support farmland protection, conservation, and the local farm economy. Landowners in an AEA can participate in the Farmland Preservation Program through voluntary 10-year farmland preservation agreements. At least five landowners and their local governments must file a petition jointly. A petition may take months to prepare to gather information and engage local landowners.
Learn more about the AEA program and the state’s existing AEAs: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AgriculturalEnterpriseAreas.aspx
Farmland Preservation Agreements
Landowners can apply for a farmland preservation agreement for land owned and located within an AEA. A farmland preservation agreement requires the land to be kept in agricultural use for a minimum of 10 years and to meet state soil and water conservation standards. In return, the agreement enables the landowner to claim a farmland preservation tax credit.
You can now apply to enroll your lands in a farmland preservation agreement and claim the tax credit for 2025. Find out if your lands are in an eligible agricultural enterprise area: https://datcpgis.wi.gov/maps/?viewer=fpp
Find application materials: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ApplyFPAgreement.aspx
