The state of Wisconsin faces immense agricultural land loss to development. If current development trends continue, 515,200 acres of some of the country’s most productive farmland will be converted by 2040. Agriculture is a significant driver of the state economy, generating $104.8 billion in revenue in 2017. The projected loss of agricultural land is equivalent to 2,400 farms, $377 million in farm revenue, and 6,400 jobs.

Agricultural conservation easements are a powerful tool in permanently protecting farmland and mitigating farmland loss due to development. This online seminar explores Wisconsin’s state Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) program as a strategy to preserve Wisconsin farmland. Investments in easements at the state level also generate economic activity: every $1 invested in PACE yields $1.90 in direct, indirect, and induced impacts. Dr. Becca Jablonski and Dr. Allie Bauman share the economic implications of the Wisconsin Farmland Protection Economic Impact Assessment, demonstrating the financial benefit of investing in agricultural protection through PACE.