Conservation and Land Transfers

Conservation typically involves placing a permanent agricultural conservation easement on the property. An easement is a voluntary legal agreement that protects the land’s ability to remain farmland by limiting non-farm development while allowing private ownership and continued farming.

Conservation can help keep farmland affordable, reduce pressure to sell for development, support fairness among heirs, and in some cases provide financial resources when development rights are sold. It is not a substitute for legal or tax planning but can be an important part of a thoughtful strategy.

Yes. You retain ownership, may sell or lease the property, pass it to heirs, and continue farming. Future owners remain bound by the conservation easement terms.

Public access is not a requirement to conserve your farm with Connecticut Farmland Trust.

Conservation can support transfers to family members, sales to new farmers, retirement planning, estate settlement, or situations where no successor has been identified.

Options may include establishing a life estate (transferring ownership while retaining lifetime use), donating or selling the property to Connecticut Farmland Trust during your lifetime, or directing in your will that the property be conserved or transferred to CFT to benefit farmland protection.

Each conservation easement is tailored to the property and farming operation, balancing permanent protection with long-term farm viability.

Agricultural easements allow continued farming and appropriate structures. Depending on the property and agreement, new housing may be permitted if carefully located and compatible with soils and long-term agricultural use. Not every property qualifies; decisions are made case by case.

The easement remains permanently in place and transfers with the property. We work with new owners to explain the agreement and support compliance.

There may be estate or income tax considerations depending on the structure of the project. Life estates may also carry charitable deduction implications. Landowners should consult their own legal and financial advisors.

We conduct periodic monitoring and maintain communication with landowners to uphold the easement while supporting continued agricultural use.

Earlier than most people expect. Farm transfers can take years to plan. Early exploration provides more options and flexibility, and you’ll want to consult your attorney, advisors, and family members as appropriate.