NRCS Applications to Protect Farmland

Connecticut State Conservationist for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jay Mar has announced the sign-up period for the agency’s Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP).

"Applications are currently being accepted," said Mar. "However, the cutoff date for this year’s funding is Feb. 24, 2012. This program helps ensure that valuable, productive land is protected."

FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep farms in agricultural uses. Working through existing partner programs, USDA works with state, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to purchase conservation easements from landowners. USDA provides up to 50% of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

To qualify, farmland must be part of a pending offer from a qualified state, Tribe, or local farmland protection program; be privately owned; contain at least 50% prime, statewide, or local important farmland soils; and include at least one-third cropland, grassland, and pasture land of the total acreage.

All funds will be awarded to the highest ranking eligible parcels through a statewide, competitive process. Applications submitted after Feb. 24, 2012, will be held for 2013 funding consideration.

For more information, visit www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov/programs, or contact USDA Field Office: Danielson, (860) 779-0557; Hamden, (203) 287-8038; Norwich, (860) 887-3604; Torrington, (860) 626-8258; Windsor, (860) 688-7725.

Farmland To Lease Or To Farm

Farmers now have a new guide to help them identify available land for farming and acreage for leasing.

The University of Connecticut and the American Farmland Trust (AFT) produce the resource for farmers and landowners in a state that has the third highest farm real estate values in the nation.

"We hope this guide will serve to connect those looking for farmland with those with farmland to lease," said Cris Coffin, director of AFT New England division. "Whether it's 5 acres or 100, farmland leased by communities, land trusts and institutions to farmers, or used for community farms, can help grow Connecticut's farms, food and economy."

For more information call (860) 683-4230, or visit www.farmland.org and www.workinglandsalliance.org.