Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is a U.S. federal initiative that helps protect farmland, grasslands, and wetlands by establishing legal agreements called conservation easements. These easements limit certain types of development or use of the land to preserve its natural state, ecological health, and agricultural productivity. Landowners retain ownership but agree to specific conservation practices, often in exchange for financial incentives or tax benefits. ACEP aims to balance agricultural use with environmental conservation, ensuring that vital ecosystems and open spaces are maintained for future generations while supporting local farming communities.