DOVER, Del., July 19, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding Delaware landowners of an open application period for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through ACEP, NRCS offers technical and financial assistance for the purchase of conservation easements on eligible agricultural lands and wetlands.

“An agricultural easement can help producers preserve family farms and keep working lands viable,” said Jena Moore, Acting NRCS State Conservationist in Delaware. “They also help protect critical open spaces and provide many benefits to wildlife and the conservation of natural resources.”

Although landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, to be considered for FY 2025 funding for the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) or Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) portions of ACEP, applications must be received by Friday, October 11, 2024. 

WRE and ALE are the two easement components under ACEP, each with a different application process. Please contact your local NRCS office to ensure you receive guidance on the correct application process. 

• ACEP–Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help preserve productive cropland, grassland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forestland from conversion to non-agricultural uses. Eligible partners include state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. Under the ALE, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement. Interested landowners should contact the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation to ensure their land is enrolled in an agricultural preservation district before September 30th.
• ACEP–Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and enhance wetlands and improve wildlife habitat. Wetland conservation easements are either permanent or for 30 years. Landowners of eligible farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored are eligible to apply. 

WRE applicants must own the land for two years and have farm records established with USDA's Farm Service Agency. Properties eligible for WRE include farmed wetlands that can be successfully and economically restored; former or degraded wetlands with a history of agricultural use; wetlands farmed under natural conditions; and “prior-converted” cropland converted on or before Dec. 23, 1985. 

“Delaware's partnerships with NRCS and other agencies has helped preserve more than 151,000 acres in Delaware." said Jimmy Kroon, Delaware Aglands Administrator. "Preserved farmland is a critical resource for new and beginning farmers as well as established producers who are growing their operations."

For more information on ACEP, contact your local USDA Service Center. In Sussex County, call 302-856-3990, ext. 3; in Kent County, call 302-741-2600, ext. 3; and in New Castle County, call 302-832-3100, ext. 3. Additional information on all NRCS programs and services is available online at www.de.nrcs.usda.gov.

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