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 AEAs are eligible to enter into voluntary farmland preservation agreements.
Potato Hilling, Fairfield AEA Sauk County|Photo Credit: Sauk County LRED
The 2021 AEA Petition Cycle is closed. To review petition materials and instructions, please visit How to Petition for Designation.