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Benefits of the State Program

Benefits of the State's Farmland Preservation Program o       Participation in the program is voluntary, and therefore does not infringe on private property rights. o       Protected land remains privately owned and on the tax rolls. o     Reinvestment of PDR funds in equipment, livestock, and other farm inputs stimulates local agricultural economies. o        The reduced market value of the protected farmland reduces estate taxes, thus facilitating the transfer of farmland from farmers to their children. o       The reduced market value of the protected farmland also makes the land more affordable to new farmers or others who want to buy it for agricultural purposes. o       The program provides farmers with liquid capital that can enhance the economic viability of farming operations and help perpetuate family tenure on the land.  For example, the proceeds from the sale of development rights may be used to reduce debt, expand or modernize farm operations, invest for retirement, or settle estates. o       The program selects farms that have a high percentage of prime farmland soils. o        The program selects applicants who own active farms in established farm communities, thus reducing fragmentation of farmland and increasing the viability of farm operations.  In farm communities, farmers can more easily share equipment, trade farm products, and support local service providers, such as veterinarians.  In addition, they can operate without the threat of nuisance complaints from residential neighbors related to farming odors, noise, or dust.

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