State-Significant Farmland
State-Significant Farmland supports conservation organizations and public entities in protecting Vermont farmland through easements and other lasting safeguards for the long-term benefit of Vermonters.
Funder: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Due Dates: December 11, 2026 (Board meeting) | January 27, 2027 (Board meeting) | March 25, 2027 (Board meeting) | May 19, 2027 (Board meeting) | June 17, 2027 (Board meeting)
Funding Amounts: Capped at $550,000 per application and $4,200 per acre; appraisal cost-share available after pre-application approval
Summary: Supports lasting conservation of Vermont farmland through conservation easements and other enduring protections benefiting Vermonters.
Key Information: Individuals must work with a land trust to apply; farmland review follows two stages and can take 12–18 months.
Description
The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) supports the lasting conservation of Vermont farmland for the long-term benefit of Vermonters. Projects must secure enduring protection through deed restrictions or other mechanisms that ensure the public investment has a lasting effect. Conservation easements are central to this work, with appraisal cost-share available for projects approved at the pre-application stage.
The Board evaluates farmland projects based on soil quality, location, farm viability, infrastructure, management, and other resources brought to the conservation effort. Surface water protection is also an important goal. VHCB conservation staff review applications and visit properties, while an interagency committee reviews pre-applications and the Board makes final funding decisions.
