The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

NRCS in Kentucky is accepting applications from eligible entities for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP - ALE).  Applications must be made through eligible entities, not directly from landowners to NRCS.  Please address any questions to Matt Hutchison at matt.hutchison@usda.gov or 859-224-7444. 

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP - ALE) focuses on protecting and conserving productive agricultural lands. Landowners are compensated for enrolling their land in easements.

Partners include state or local agencies and certain non-profits. Landowners continue to own their property but voluntarily enter into a legal agreement with a cooperating entity to purchase an easement. The cooperating entity applies for matching funds from NRCS for the purchase of an easement from the landowner, permanently protecting its agricultural use and conservation values. Eligible lands include privately owned cropland, pastureland and forestlands. Landowners do not apply directly to NRCS for funding under this program.

Applications from eligible entities for 2021 ACEP-ALE funding must be received by February 26, 2021 to be considered for the current funding cycle. Landowners who wish to be considered for ACEP-ALE must make application to an eligible entity. Entities interested in agricultural easements should contact their local USDA service center or visit the Kentucky NRCS ACEP-ALE website.