USDA allots $350 million for conservation easements

From Agri-Pulse

USDA is making $350 million available to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the nation.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), created by the 2014 farm bill to protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and encourage private owners to maintain land for farming and ranching. Through the voluntary sale of an easement, landowners limit future development to protect these key resources. Read the rest of the story here.