Ag Enterprise Area Petitions now being accepted by DATCP!

Notification from DATCP

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now accepting petitions for Agricultural Enterprise Areas to be designated in 2017. Agricultural enterprise areas, or AEAs, are blocks of land that are primarily in agricultural use for farming and for businesses that serve the farming sector. They are created when at least five landowners and their local governments petition for an AEA designation and the department approves the petition.
2017. Petition Materials due June 10, 2017

What is an AEA?
An AEA is a tool that can help communities meet local goals for preserving agricultural land and encouraging economic development. For a brief introduction, please watch AEA Tutorial.

What are some of the benefits?
• Support local initiatives designed to protect the agricultural land base
• Promote investment in agriculture, agricultural infrastructure and agriculture-related business
• Establish opportunity for landowners within the boundary to sign a farmland preservation agreement, which in turn provide eligibility for the farmland preservation tax credit

Petition for AEA Designation in 2017
For more information on the AEA Peition process, please review Understanding AEAs and the Petition Process.

Where can I find the materials for the 2017 petition cycle?  Petition materials for new AEAs and for modifying existing AEAs can be accessed on Petitioning for Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEA) Designation with instructions.

Where can I find examples for petitions of AEAs that have been designated by the state?
You can access information like maps and petition narratives for AEAs that have been designated on Designated Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs).

Who can I contact with questions?
If you are interested in petitioning for AEA designation, please contact 608-224-4634 or DATCPWorkingLands@wisconsin.gov with any questions or if you need any assistance.