Farmland Preservation Program
Farmland Preservation Program supports Rhode Island farmland owners by purchasing development rights, helping them retain their land while protecting it for agriculture, food production, and open space.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: Year-round (applications)
Funding Amounts: Purchase price based on the appraised value of development rights; the easement is perpetual
Summary: The program purchases development rights to Rhode Island farmland so owners can retain their land while protecting it for agricultural use.
Key Information: Parcels must have at least five contiguous acres dedicated to or available for agricultural production.
Description
The Agricultural Lands Preservation Commission (ALPC) operates the Farmland Preservation Program in close cooperation with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Rather than buying farmland outright, the program purchases development rights. Owners retain their property, while a perpetual easement restricts subdivision and development and protects the land for agricultural use. The purchase offers farmers a financial alternative to selling land for development.
The program seeks to preserve Rhode Island’s best farmland and maintain land for food production and open space. ALPC considers soil quality, farm viability, water protection, scenic and cultural features, flood protection, development pressure, and consistency with state and local plans. Purchases may draw on state bonds, federal funding, and conservation partners.
