USDA Announces Funding for Farmland Preservation Organizations
The USDA is currently accepting applications for matching funds to preserve farmland from conversion to non-agricultural use.
November 22, 2010
By NRCS
www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/news/michigan_news_releases.htmlThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from eligible organizations for matching funds to preserve farmland from conversion to non-agricultural use.
The funding is available through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. The program provides up to 50-percent matching funds to farmland preservation organizations to purchase land development rights. Eligible entities must submit applications on or before February 16, 2011, to receive consideration for funding in fiscal year 2011.
Eligible entities can include state or local governments, American Indian tribes and non-governmental organizations. Only entities with an established farmland protection program and have the authority to hold, monitor, manage and enforce easements are eligible for the program. The entity must also have the funds available to secure their portion of the easement purchase.
Land proposed for funding in the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program must meet one of three eligibility categories: contain prime and unique farmland soils and soils of statewide and local importance; contain historic or archeological resources; or contain land that supports the farm and ranch land protection policies of state or local programs. Continue reading on the NRCS site
