DATCP: Agricultural Enterprise Area petition materials available for 2011 deadline

Contact: Jane H. Larson (608) 224-5005

MADISON – Local governments and farmers interested in preserving the best farmland in their community can begin applying for the 2011 Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) designation, which allows tax credits for eligible farmers. Free workshops are available to explain how to complete the petitions, which are due in February, 2011.

“The Agricultural Enterprise Areas under the Working Lands Initiative are a key part of protecting what underlies Wisconsin’s $59 billion agricultural economy – the land,” DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski said. “Local leaders from around the state have already come forward to petition for the preservation of 200,000 acres of diverse and highly productive farmland, and I expect very strong interest from around the state again in 2011.”

Farmers and local governments develop a petition for an AEA. Once an AEA is designated, these areas allow eligible farmers to enter into a farmland preservation agreement with the state to claim a farmland preservation tax credit. These areas can also foster collaboration between adjacent landowners and create a sense of certainty about the future of agriculture.

Local governments can add to these incentives to further promote farmland preservation and agricultural economic development in their communities.

The department is in the process of designating the first 12 AEAs, totaling 200,000 acres. These 12 AEAs were selected from petitions submitted from across Wisconsin during the 2010 cycle.

For the 2011 cycle, the department’s goal is to designate 250,000 acres. Priority will be given to prospective AEAs of between 1,000 to 30,000 acres.

The materials for developing an AEA petition are available online at: http://workinglands.wi.gov. Applicants should be sure to use the materials for 2011 as there are changes from last year. Petitions must be postmarked by February 18, 2011.

To learn more about AEAs or how to prepare a petition, three free workshops are scheduled. Registration is available online at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/registration/aea.jsp or by calling (608) 224-4625.

The workshops will be from 12:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. at the following locations:

* Wausau: Tues., Nov. 2, Marathon Public Library, Wausau Room, 200 N. First St., http://www.mcpl.us/about/locations

* Juneau: Mon., Nov. 8, Dodge County Administration Building, 127 Oak St., http://www.co.dodge.wi.us

* Holmen: Wed., Nov.10, Holland Town Hall,W7937 County Rd MH, http://www.co.la-crosse.wi.us/townoffholland/

For more information about AEAs or details on submitting a petition, contact AEA Program Manager Coreen Fallat at Coreen.Fallat@wisconsin.gov or (608) 224-4625.