Program Description
In April 2005, the Washington State Legislature established a statewide farmland preservation program to provide grants to preserve economically viable farmlands in Washington State and enhance ecological functions on those lands.

Who is eligible?

• Counties
• Cities

What may the grants be used for?

• Preserve viable farmland
• Enhance the ability of the preserved farmland to provide agricultural production
• Improve or restore the ecological functions of the preserved farmland, including providing benefits to fish and wildlife

Counties and cities may use the grants to acquire farmland development rights by purchasing agricultural conservation easements. Counties or cities also may buy farmland outright "fee simple," place an agricultural easement on the property dedicating the land to agricultural use, and then resell the property to someone who will maintain the property as a working farm.

A portion of a grant also may be used for improvements that enhance the agricultural production of the preserved farmland and help restore or enhance ecological functions.

The Farmland Preservation Account is part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), a 15-year-old grant program that provides grants for local and state parks, water access sites, trails, critical wildlife habitat, natural areas, riparian areas, urban wildlife habitat, and now, farmland preservation.

Legislation creating the Farmland Program:

• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5396
• Sections of the bill

Farmland Preservation Grants Fact Sheet