Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

​​​​​​​​​Agricultural enterprise areas, or AEAs, are community led efforts establishing designated areas important to Wisconsin’s agricultural future. More specifically, an AEA is an area of productive agriculture that has received designation from the state at the request of landowners and local governments. As a part of the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, AEAs strive to support local farmland protection goals.

Local communities can voluntarily pursue designation of an AEA by submitting a petition to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Through this designation, the community can encourage continued agricultural production and investment in the agricultural economy. Landowners within designated AE​As are eligible to enter into voluntary farmland preservation agreements​.

Potato Hilling, Fairfield AEA Sauk County|Photo Credit: Sauk County LRED

​The 2024 Agricultural Enterprise Area petition cycle is now open. ​Petitions will be accepted until August 2, 2023. For the petition applications for both new AEAs and midifications to exisiting AEAs, information about the petition process, and to see previous years​ petition materials, including previous years instructions and examples of successful petitions, please visit How to Petition for Designation.

Check out the newest Snapshots with updates on AEAs around the state. To view any previously published Snapshot, visit the Designated AEA Webpage.

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Town of Grant AEA, Dunn and Chippewa Counties

Landowner led conservation efforts protect woodlands and local water quality.

Snapshot

Greenville Greenbelt AEA, Outagamie County​

Community prioritizes land preservation and conservation pratices. 

Snapshot

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Fields, Waters and Woods AEA, Ashland & Bayfield Counties​

Conserving natural resources through farmland preservation and nutrient management.

Snapshot

West Point AEA, Columbia County

West Point AEA Connects Farmers and Lake Wisconsin Community.

Snapshot

Heart of America's Dairyland AEA, Emphasis on Marathon Co​un​ty

otecting local agricultural​ industry and preservin​g
rich farmland​.

Snapsh​ot

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Bear Creek AEA, Sauk County

with landowners to preserve farmland and promote
​conservation goals.

Snapshot

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