Committee hears bill to create voluntary farmland conservation easement program

A bill to create a voluntary farmland conservation easement program drew broad support and questions about implementation at a House Agriculture Committee hearing. Representative Culp introduced House Bill 1234, which would authorize the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to accept donations or purchases of agricultural conservation easements and allow counties to set up their own local programs.

Supporters said the measure provides a tool for landowners to preserve farms for agricultural use without requiring a state appropriation. Chris Reynolds, Midwest regional director for American Farmland Trust, told the committee, “House Bill 1234 lays the vital groundwork to give farmers and landowners the option to protect their land for future generations.” He said similar programs exist in 29 states and that federal funding opportunities such as USDA and IRA sources make the framework timely.

Quinn (Quentin) Hayes, legislative director for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, said ISDA would implement the…