TN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)

The Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) grant program aims to protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by preventing their conversion to non-agricultural uses. This is achieved through conservation easements, which help maintain the nation’s food supply, environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat, and open spaces. Financial assistance is provided to eligible partners for purchasing easements that protect agricultural use and conservation values. NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the agricultural land easement's fair market value, and up to 75 percent for lands of special environmental significance. These easements are intended to be permanent or for the maximum term allowed by law.