For more than 40 years, the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program has served to preserve Walworth County’s productive agricultural resources and enable owners of farmland to participate in the state farmland preservation tax credit programs. Over 500 Walworth County landowners take advantage of the Wisconsin farmland preservation tax credit or tax relief programs.
The Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program relies on counties and local units of government to advance new farmland preservation initiatives and implement new preservation tools. As part of this work, the Walworth County Land Use & Resource Management division is required to prepare and re-certify an updated county-wide farmland preservation plan every 10 years followed by the revision and recertification of a farmland preservation zoning ordinance.
The updated Walworth County Farmland Preservation Plan Update: 2022 reaffirms the county’s long-term commitment to preserving farmlands and working farms in the county. The preservation and protection of the most productive soils remains the primary land use goal for Walworth County. Other goals and farmland protection initiatives outlined in the plan include:
- Maintaining agriculture as an important component of the County’s economic base
- Recognizing the farming heritage, including barns and the scenic values associated with rural farming areas
- Preserving large areas of farmland while promoting more efficient farming and minimizing the conflict between rural and urban uses
- Maintaining connections between agricultural and natural resource areas
- Discouraging non-agricultural development and use on farmland
- Supporting, developing, and promoting innovative industry strategies
A public hearing will be conducted by the Walworth County Land Conservation Committee at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022, to consider the Walworth County Farmland Preservation Plan 2022 Update. Link to public notice.
To learn more about the Farmland Preservation Plan Update: 2022 goals and initiatives, as well as key changes, visit https://wi-walworthcounty.civicplus.com/389/Farmland-Preservation-Plan