By Blake Jackson
The United States Department of Agriculture encourages landowners and organizations interested in preserving farmland to explore conservation easements as a long-term protection strategy.
In Kentucky, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is highlighting financial assistance available through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).
ACEP-ALE supports efforts to safeguard productive cropland and grassland on working farms and ranches. The program partners with eligible entities such as state and local governments, land trusts, and tribal organizations to secure conservation easements on privately owned agricultural property. By providing funding to these partners, NRCS helps ensure that farmland remains in agricultural use, particularly in regions facing increasing development pressure.
Landowners do not apply directly to NRCS for ACEP-ALE funding. Instead, they must work with an approved entity that submits the application on their behalf.
Proposals that meet eligibility and ranking requirements and are submitted by March 31, 2026, will be evaluated for the second round of fiscal year 2026 funding.
Applications received after the deadline will roll over to the next funding cycle. Interested parties should contact their local USDA service center for guidance.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Government & Policy