The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection designated more than 96,000 acres in Monroe, Shawano, and Sheboygan counties as new agricultural enterprise areas effective Jan. 1.
There are now 54 AEAs statewide totaling 1.74 million acres covering portions of 33 counties, 147 towns, and the Bad River Reservation.
Landowners within designated AEAs are eligible to enter into voluntary farmland preservation agreements, committing all or a portion of their farm to agricultural use and maintaining state soil and water conservation standards. In return, they may be eligible to claim the annual farmland preservation tax credit.
The new AEAs include:
- Town of Lessor Ag First AEA, located in Shawano County, including more than 22,000 acres in the town of Lessor. Local government and partners joined 10 landowners to petition for designation in this AEA. Petitioners want to preserve agricultural lands in an environmentally friendly way through farmer-led education, adoption of nutrient management plans and enrollment in farmland preservation agreements.
- Town of Plymouth AEA, located in Sheboygan County, includes more than 9,000 acres in the town of Plymouth. Local governments and partners joined seven landowners to petition for designation of this AEA. Petitioners want to provide tools for local agricultural landowners facing increased development pressure to keep their lands in agriculture production while remaining economically and environmentally sustainable.
