Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) helps rural land owners and local governments preserve farmland, protect soil and water resources, and minimize land use conflicts.  Landowners in designated Farmland Preservation areas who meet state soil and water conservation standards are eligible to claim an annual state income tax credit.

In order to claim the FPP tax credit in Eau Claire County, rural landowners must either own land that is zoned Agricultural Preservation or located in the Golden Triangle Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA).  Depending on land location, landowners are potentially eligible for an annual income tax credit of $5.00, $7.50, or $10.00 per acre.  See the following map for Eligible FPP Areas in Eau Claire County. 

County Farmland Preservation Map

Eligible landowners must also meet state soil and water conservation standards on their agricultural land in order to claim the FPP tax credit.  The following document outlines Wisconsin’s soil and water conservation standards

State Conservation Standards

An Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) is a contiguous land area that is devoted primarily to agricultural use and is locally targeted for agricultural preservation and development.  Farmers in an AEA are eligible to enter into a voluntary Farmland Preservation Agreement and earn additional income tax credits through the Farmland Preservation Program. 

In 2016, Eau Claire County designated the Golden Triangle AEA.  Since then, 27 Agreements have been signed on over 7,000 acres.  This represents over 30% of the total land located in the Golden Triangle. 

Farmland Preservation Information

Contact

Please contact Tim Wucherer at 715-839-4788 to learn more about the Farmland Preservation Program in Eau Claire County.

• Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection – Farmland Preservation Program

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/FarmlandPreservation.aspx

• WI Department of Revenue – Farmland Preservation Credit

https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-farm.aspx