Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program sees high participation

Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program provides local farmers with a $10 per acre annual tax credit, provided they adhere to state eligibility and conservation standards. To qualify, participants must maintain active nutrient management plans, utilize proper manure storage, and prevent agricultural runoff. Additionally, farmers must be Wisconsin residents and meet specific income criteria.

Land eligibility is primarily determined by local zoning within designated farmland preservation zones. However, landowners outside these zones may qualify by joining state-designated Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs) to secure tax certificates.

Due to high participation rates, some counties are implementing administration fees. Dane County, which leads the state with approximately 1,000 enrolled farmers, has introduced a fee structure linked to state-mandated status reviews. These reviews involve on-site compliance visits conducted every four years. Unlike neighboring counties that charge a flat annual fee of $20 to $25, Dane County’s fee includes a base rate plus an additional 50 cents per acre to account for the time required to inspect larger operations.