Georgia has launched its first state-funded program to protect farmland from rapid development. The Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund received $2 million for its initial year, with selections expected in August. Farmers have already submitted applications to sell development rights while continuing to work the land.
The program follows a 2023 law that created a formal system for matching state, local, and federal dollars to purchase agricultural conservation easements. Applications for the first round closed on May 20. Successful applicants will learn in August whether they receive funding.
State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper warned that Georgia could lose 800,000 acres of farmland by 2040. He described the potential loss as a staggering 10 percent of the state's total farmland. Agriculture remains the state's top economic sector.
Farmer Russ Moon, whose family has operated land in Madison County for four generations, said he has applied to protect his property. “Selling the land is really not an option,” Moon said. “I intend on remaining in agriculture for as long as possible.”
Katherine Moore, president of the Georgia Conservancy, noted that the new fund offers farmers an alternative to selling to developers. She called the program unprecedented for the state.