Procedure for Applicants to Voluntarily Apply to Convey the Development Rights of their Agricultural Land to the Department through the Farmland Preservation Program.

their Agricultural Land to the Department through the Farmland Preservation Program. (a) An applicant shall apply to the farmland preservation program on a form provided by the Department, and provide the following information: (1) the full legal name(s) of the applicant(s); (2) any property title deed references in municipal land records; (3) copies of municipal tax assessor maps and field cards of the property; (4) the location, the total acreage, and acreage in active cropland of the property; (5) any prime farmland, statewide and locally important farmland soils map of the property; (6) a description of agricultural infrastructure, including buildings, other structures, water and other utilities; (7) any marketing information for selling agricultural products produced on the property; (8) a copy of any conservation plan, current farm business plan, leases, and recent grant awards from the Department, the USDA or other source; and (9) such other information as may be requested by the Commissioner. (b) Upon receipt by the Department of a complete, signed application, the Commissioner shall initiate an evaluation of whether to purchase the development rights, and whether to do so with one or more eligible project partners, if applicable.