NCGA Reminds Growers of Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program Proposal Date (4-21-06)
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reminds growers of the proposal deadline for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, a voluntary program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that helps farmers and ranchers keep land for agricultural use. NRCS state offices must receive proposals by May 11.
More than $70 million is available to protect agricultural land in 50 states and Puerto Rico. The program began in 1996 and has protected more than 277,000 acres in 43 states. The program protects the land by purchasing conservation easements to limit conversion of farm and ranch land to non-agricultural uses. The USDA provides up to 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement. State and local entities can match that amount, including the use of landowner donations.
“Preserving the nation’s prime agricultural farm and ranch lands helps to ensure a vibrant future for American agriculture,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns. “Once protected by conservation easements, this land will be shielded from development pressure and continue to support our safe and abundant food supply.”
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