The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) is the federal farmland protection program administered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The most important, lasting element of an ACEP-ALE transaction is the ALE deed. This is the legal document that ensures the program purposes are met and the property stays in agricultural use.

This resource shows the 2020 ACEP-ALE Minimum Deed Terms (MDTs), which satisfy the program’s regulatory deed requirements. Following each term is a box with commentary providing additional information and examples. This resource is meant to guide you through the MDTs.