By Blake Jackson
American Farmland Trust (AFT) is actively working to shape agricultural policy in Wisconsin. In this year’s legislative session, AFT is focusing on two key bills that support farmland protection and sustainable farming.
The priority is restoring funding for the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE) program. PACE helps permanently protect farmland, but it has remained unfunded since 2011.
AFT supports Governor Evers’ proposal to allocate $15 million for the program. The proposal is now under review by the Joint Finance Committee (JFC), and advocates are urging its inclusion in the final budget.
The second bill would create a Transition to Grazing Pilot Program, offering financial assistance, infrastructure funding, and hands-on support to help farmers shift to forage-based grazing systems. This approach improves soil health, water quality, and long-term profitability.
AFT recently co-hosted a legislative session with Representative Travis Tranel at the State Capitol, where farmers shared how easements protect their land for future generations. “We’re building momentum for real farmland protection in Wisconsin,” AFT leaders shared.
Public involvement is also growing. AFT supporters have spoken at JFC Public Listening Sessions, and two more opportunities remain—on April 28 in Hayward and April 29 in Wausau. Anyone interested can contact AFT representatives for tips and resources to participate.
To support this work, residents are encouraged to sign a petition backing PACE funding, submit testimony to the JFC, and contact their legislators. These simple actions can make a big difference in protecting Wisconsin farmland.
Find your state legislators here: https://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Wisconsin, Business