Several states have developed innovative programs to promote conservation activities on rural and working lands.

These programs are key in carrying out the Farmland Stewardship Program, since they provide both targeted funding and guidance to help meet state priorities.  

The Farmland Stewardship Program also expands the effectiveness and delivery of these programs in two important ways.  First, the Farmland Stewardship Program brings in funding from existing federal programs to help implement state-level programs.

Second, the Farmland Stewardship Program includes mechanisms to target existing conservation programs to the specific needs of individual parcels of eligible agricultural lands. This means more money for conservation.  It also means that EVERY dollar spent will result in the maximum conservation benefits possible.

Several existing state programs compliment (and can benefit from) the Farmland Stewardship Program.  In at least six states around the country, programs are being developed based specifically on the Farmland Stewardship Program.  A brief description of these programs can be viewed at States Where Actions Are Being Taken to Implement Concepts Embodied in the Farmland Stewardship Program.  

One state program that is particularly notable, both because of its innovative nature and the way in which it can work in concert with the Farmland Stewardship Program, is Wisconsin's "Green Tier" Program.  Details on this program can be seen by clicking on the following links:

A proposal from the Green Tier Committee

Agriculture & the Green Tier

Wisconsin's Agricultural Stewardship Initiative, the Green Tier and Environmental Management Systems

The Business & Environmental Case