"Applications are currently being accepted," said Mar. "However, the cutoff date for this year’s funding is February 24, 2012. This program helps ensure that valuable, productive land is protected. Since 1996, NRCS has provided $32 million to protect over 100 farmers in Connecticut," he said.

FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep farms in agricultural uses. Working through existing partner programs, USDA works with state, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to purchase conservation easements from landowners. USDA provides up to 50% of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

To qualify, farmland must be part of a pending offer from a qualified state, Tribe, or local farmland protection program; be privately owned; contain at least 50% prime, statewide, or local important farmland soils; and include at least one-third cropland, grassland, and pasture land of the total acreage. All funds will be awarded to the highest ranking eligible parcels through a statewide, competitive process. Applications submitted after February 24, 2012, will be held for 2013 funding consideration.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov/programs, or contact your nearest USDA Field Office: Danielson - (860) 779-0557; Hamden - (203) 287-8038; Norwich - (860) 887-3604; Torrington - (860) 626-8258; Windsor - (860) 688-7725.