2008 Farm Bill Programs
Farmland Protection Program (FPP)
Purpose of Program
- The Farmland Protection Program (FPP)is a voluntary program that helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agricultural production by providing matching money to qualifying entities, normally land trusts which can then be used to buy conservation easements on eligible land.
Eligibility
- Eligible land must be part or all of a privately owned farm or ranch that contains prime, unique, or other productive soil, historical, or archeological resources; or will further a state or local policy consistent with the program.
- Highly erodible land must be managed under a conservation plan.
- The eligible land must be included in a pending offer from a qualified entity such as a land trust.
Contract Period and Cost-Share
- Contract Period - Priority is given to applications with permanent easements but easements for a minimum of 30 years may be considered.
- Federal cost share can amount to no more than 50% of the appraised fair market value of the land. Landowners may donate up to 25% of the fair market value. Minimum entity contribution is 25% of the easement acquisition price.
Application Process
- Applications can be filed year round at qualifying entities and land trusts.
For more information contact:
Chuck Kowaleski, Farm Bill Coordinator
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Phone: (254) 718-7684
Email: Chuck.Kowaleski@tpwd.state.tx.us
Additional Links:
- Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) - Contact information from the US Dept. of Agriculture Service Center Locator for Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies.
- Texas State Water and Soil Conservation Board - Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts Locator Map and information.
- Farm Service Agency - FSA website for Texas Farm Service Agency Directory.