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Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)

Last Modified: 08/19/2009

The NRCS Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program establish partnerships with land trusts, state and local unit of government, and other non-profit organizations, to purchase conservation easements on farm land in New Hampshire.  These easements protect agricultural land, and important farmland soils, by prohibiting conversion to non-agricultural uses.

Kennet Farm under FRPP easementSince the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program came into existence in 1996, NRCS in New Hampshire has provided over $15 million dollars to support the purchase of, and provide permanent protection for 6,366 acres of agricultural land on 85 farms across the State. The $15 million dollars in Federal funds leveraged $22.4 million dollars in local funds and $3.6 million dollars in landowner contributions for a total easement value of $41 million dollars.

The documents found on this website provide eligibility criteria, how to complete applications, along with other valuable information for conservation entities wishing to participate in the program.  The eligibility requirements for the 2007 program year have changed  from previous years.  Interested applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements carefully for a more thorough explanation of FRPP Rules to insure the subject property and cooperating entity is eligible for receiving FRPP funds.

2009 NH FRPP Documents
2007 NH FRPP Documents

Articles:
Connecticut River Farm Protected

Protect Land - "They Ain't Making it Anymore"

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions along with other National FRPP information, please visit the National FRPP Website.

For answers to any questions about the NH FRPP Program, contact Jody Walker, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs at 603-868-7581


Conserving the Family Farm front coverThe Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program is featured in the publication from The NH Coalition for Sustaining Agriculture and UNH Cooperative Extension entitled Conserving the Family Farm. This manual uses plain language to help families make decisions regarding easements, explains provisions for agricultural uses within easements, and recommends how to put easement deals together.