Farmland Preservation Program

Since Ellington electors authorized a 2-million-dollar farmland bond in 2007, the Town has partnered with state and federal agencies to permanently protect over 770 acres of farmland. Farmland preservation secures food and fiber producing soils, protects community character, and stabilizes taxes. The farmland preservation program is voluntary, and in exchange for compensation of development rights a farmland easement is placed on the land. Preserved property may lay fallow, be sold, inherited, or transferred, but the development restriction continues in perpetuity. Compensation of development rights is the monetary difference between the underlying zoning development value and the current agricultural land value.

If you have farmland and want to learn more about the program or seek assistance with applying for farmland preservation, please contact the Town Planner at 860-870-3120, planning@ellington-ct.gov, or visit the Town Hall Annex at 57 Main Street during regular office hours.