W. Va. announces deadline to apply for farmland protection funding

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Anyone interested in being considered for funding under the fiscal year 2012 Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program should submit an application by Nov. 15 to NRCS’ state office in Morgantown, W.Va.

What it is

The FRPP is a voluntary program that helps farmers preserve their agricultural land. The program provides matching funds to the following entities: state or local governments and non-governmental organizations with existing farmland protection programs.

The funds are used to purchase conservation easements that limit non-agricultural uses of the land. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement in the voluntary program. The applying entities match that amount, which can include the use of landowner donations.

Criteria

Eligible land includes private land that contains prime farmland, unique resources and is subject to a pending easement from an eligible entity. The landowner retains ownership and continues to use the land for agricultural purposes as outlined in the terms of the easement.

Landowners interested in protecting their land should contact their local NRCS office, Farmland Protection board or other qualified entities.

Contact information for NRCS local offices can be found at www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov. Contact information for Farmland Protection boards and other entities is at www.wvfarmlandprotection.org. For further information, contact Bill O’Donnell, assistant state conservationist for programs at 304-284-7543 or bill.odonnell@wv.usda.gov.

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