Farmland Protection Planning Grants Program

Overview

The Farmland Protection Planning Grants (FPPG) Program helps county and local governments plan for the future of agriculture in their areas and develop farmland protection plans. These plans recommend policies and projects to maintain the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry and its supporting land base.

Agricultural and farmland protection plans identify land or areas proposed to be protected and describe activities, programs, and strategies intended to be used to promote continued agricultural use.

Grant Opportunities

Open grant opportunities are featured on our Funding Opportunities page.

 

Municipal Planning Grants

Municipal planning grants are available to municipalities (cities, towns, and villages) focusing on how to protect agricultural lands through municipal zoning, land use, and subdivision regulations. Those applying should ensure that those laws are not unreasonably restrictive on farm operations.

Municipalities are eligible for grants up to $25,000 or 75% of the cost (whichever is less) for developing a local farmland protection plan. The local share of funding must be provided in at least 20% cash (no more than 80% in in-kind services) and any two municipalities may collaborate on an application for a planning grant.

Any municipality that has not previously prepared an agricultural and farmland protection plan is eligible for funding.

County Planning Grants

County planning grants are available to counties focusing on promoting the economic success of farm operations. In addition to creating specific agricultural protection plans, funds may be used to update local planning documents, including but not limited to the agricultural section of comprehensive plans, land use regulations, and zoning ordinances to ensure that these documents contain clear language and policies that are supportive of the local agriculture industry.

Counties are eligible for grants up to $50,000 or 50% of the cost (whichever is less) for developing a county agriculture and farmland protection plan. The county share of funding must be provided in at least 20% cash (no more than 80% in in-kind services) and any two counties may collaborate on an application.

Any county that has established an agricultural and farmland protection board and has not had an agricultural and farmland protection plan approved by the Commissioner in the last ten years is eligible for funding.

View all of the county agricultural protection plans and the list of dates that the plans were approved to determine if your county is eligible for a grant to update the plan.

Approved Agricultural Protection Plans

Check out these approved plans and use them as a model for your own plan.