Gov. Lee Signs Farmland Preservation Act Into Law
On Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Farmland Preservation Act, landmark legislation ensuring working farms and forest land can be conserved for future generations. Upon passage into law with the Governor’s signature, the Farmland & Forest Preservation Act establishes a permanent conservation easement fund to support farmers and foresters who voluntarily choose to protect their land with qualified land conservation organizations. The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support.
“Agriculture is the top driver of Tennessee’s economy, and our farmers play an important role in our state’s success,” said Gov. Lee. “As Tennessee experiences unprecedented economic growth and job creation, the Farmland Preservation Act ensures that family farms can preserved well into the future. I thank the General Assembly for their partnership in supporting rural communities so that all Tennesseans can thrive.”
“We are proud to partner with Governor Lee and the legislature to create this program,” said Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “Tennessee is losing productive farm and forest land at an alarming rate. Once that land is converted to other uses, it doesn’t change back. This voluntary program provides options to preserve that land for generations to come, ensuring that agriculture and forestry remain important aspects of Tennessee’s economy, landscape, and identity.”
*The bill was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R – Franklin) and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R – Portland), with the above announcement released by the Office of the Governor.
‘The protection of Tennessee’s agriculture and farmlands remains a top priority for TennGreen’
The protection of Tennessee’s agriculture and farmlands remains a top priority for TennGreen Land Conservancy. One of our largest agricultural conservation easements began in 2020, when TennGreen and the Nunn Family permanently protected 702 acres of working farmland just outside of Dyersburg, Tennessee with a conservation easement.
TennGreen holds the easement in perpetuity and annually monitors the property to ensure that the conditions stipulated in the easement are upheld. Conservation of this land also protects approximately one-quarter of a mile of land along the Forked Deer River and the wetlands found on the property.
“Protecting open spaces, whether public or private, has been a priority for myself and my family,” said Nick Nunn, landowner and steward of the conservation easement with TennGreen. “This perpetual easement accomplishes that goal of protecting this ground from ever being developed while still being used for agricultural purposes. With the added tax advantage of doing the easement while still being able to generate income from the land, it was an easy decision for my family and me. We were thrilled to work with TennGreen Land Conservancy and would highly recommend anyone considering an easement to contact them.”
Additionally, TennGreen has funds available through our Conservation Easement Assistance Fund to assist landowners who may not have the resources needed to protect their lands. The Department of Agriculture is currently in the process of determining how the funds will be distributed, but we stand ready to help any way we can.
If you or anyone you know hopes to protect working agricultural or forest land in Tennessee, please contact us at land@tenngreen.org
