Farmland Preservation Grants

The Farmland Preservation program under the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program is a state-administered funding opportunity designed to protect agricultural lands from development while supporting their long-term viability. The program is managed by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office as part of a broader initiative established in 1990 to conserve land for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. In 2005, the program was expanded by the state legislature to include farmland preservation, reflecting increasing concern over the loss of agricultural lands due to population growth and development pressures. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund the acquisition of development rights on farmland, typically through conservation easements or leases, to ensure that the land remains dedicated to agricultural use for at least twenty-five years. In addition to acquisition, the program allows for limited restoration and enhancement activities that improve ecological functions and agricultural productivity. Examples include stream restoration, irrigation improvements, and installation of infrastructure such as fencing or solar well pumps. These additional components must directly support the long-term sustainability of the farmland and may not exceed half of the acquisition-related costs. Funding for this program is derived from state bond sales and is distributed on a biennial basis. While there is no explicit cap on individual grant awards, certain internal limitations apply, such as a maximum of 50 percent of funds allocated to restoration or enhancement activities relative to acquisition costs, and a cap of 10000 dollars for stewardship plans. A 50 percent matching requirement is generally required, though the State Conservation Commission is exempt. Eligible match contributions may include cash, bonds, donations of land or labor, equipment, and other grants, providing flexibility in how applicants meet cost-sharing requirements. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, nonprofit nature conservancies, and the State Conservation Commission. Projects must involve land acquisition mechanisms such as easements or leases, and public access is not required. However, the program imposes strict long-term obligations, including maintaining the land for agricultural use for a minimum of twenty-five years and prohibiting the transfer of development rights. Certain activities are explicitly ineligible, such as acquisition of land already owned by the government, consumable supplies, indoor facilities, and restoration work completed prior to grant agreement execution. The application process is structured and includes several phases, beginning with the opening of applications and an informational webinar. Applicants must submit required documentation such as conservation easement forms, authorization resolutions, match certification forms, and jurisdictional review documentation. The review process includes a technical evaluation phase, followed by a written project evaluation and final ranking by the governing board. The process emphasizes completeness, technical merit, and alignment with program goals. For the current cycle, applications opened on February 11, 2026, and are due by April 30, 2026. Following submission, technical reviews occur between mid-May and early June, with a technical completion deadline in mid-July. Project evaluations take place from late July through August, and final funding decisions are expected by the end of October 2026. The program operates on a biennial cycle, indicating recurring funding opportunities approximately every two years.

Ensure strong alignment with farmland preservation goals and provide complete technical documentation including match verification and jurisdictional approvals