Landowner Options

Pruning blueberry bushes at Gordon Creek Farm

“The Working Farmland Protection program has helped us plan for our retirement, provide capital for new farm operations, and ensure our properties remain in farming.”
-Don Sturm, program participant

EMSWCD may be able to assist you in planning for the future of your farm. We recognize that every property and owner is unique, and if your farm is of interest to the program, we will work to craft a proposal that best suits your circumstances.

  • Do you want to continue to own your farm, but also want to be paid for some of the value of your property?

    For those landowners who want to continue to own their farm, we offer a cash payment in exchange for a commitment that working farmland will remain in farm use.

    Visit our What is a Working Farmland Easement page to learn more.

  • Are you no longer interested in owning your farm?

    EMSWCD can purchase farm properties at risk of conversion to non-farm uses in order to ensure that farming can continue. One of the farm properties currently owned by EMSWCD provides learning opportunities for the next generation of farmers. Others are leased to farmers, providing them needed acreage for their operations.

  • Is your situation something else?

    Contact Matt Shipkey, our Land Legacy Program Manager, who will work to develop a proposal that fits your needs. You can reach Matt at (503) 935-5374 or matt@emswcd.org.

Learn more

Visit our Program Benefits page to learn more about the benefits of a partnership with EMSWCD.