Support Grows for Farmland and Water Funding

Monday, May 19, 2025

The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) is voicing strong support for continued state funding of land conservation and water protection programs during Wisconsin’s 2025–2027 budget process.

These programs are essential for implementing Dane County’s Regional Development Framework and Water Quality Plan.

CARPC is specifically advocating for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program. The Stewardship Program offers matching grants to preserve public natural spaces such as parks, forests, and wetlands.

Meanwhile, the PACE Program supports farmland preservation by compensating landowners who commit to conservation easements, ensuring the land remains undeveloped and viable for agriculture.

The organization also supports funding for agriculture programs run by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). These include the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program, which supports farmer-led efforts to improve water quality, and the Soil and Water Resource Management (SWRM) Program, which funds conservation projects at the local level.

The Cover Crop Insurance Rebate Program, also backed by CARPC, encourages farmers to grow cover crops that improve soil health and reduce nutrient runoff.

Governor Evers proposed significant investments in these programs in his executive budget, including -

$83 million annually for the Stewardship Program
$15 million to relaunch the PACE Program,
$1 million more for producer-led watershed grants,
$10 million for SWRM,
$1.6 million for cover crop insurance rebates.

However, on May 8, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee removed the PACE Program from further budget talks.

Despite this, CARPC continues to advocate for restoring funding.

“Protecting farmland is not only vital for food security and local economies—it also helps manage stormwater and maintain Dane County’s rural landscapes,” the commission emphasized.

The budget is still being finalized, and community members are encouraged to contact state legislators and Joint Finance Committee members to show support for these conservation priorities.

Resources to connect with officials and learn more about the programs are available online.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev