Washington Agricultural Conservation Easement Sponsorship (ACES) (ACES)

Through ACES, Washington farmland owners can sell a permanent agricultural conservation easement funded by the state's Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Farmland Preservation grants. You work with your local conservation district, and the Conservation Commission's Office of Farmland Preservation sponsors the project and holds the easement. Land must be used mainly for commercial agriculture and be at risk of conversion. The last application window closed February 2, 2026; the next is expected to open around November 2027.

• "All projects facilitated through this program are for permanent agricultural conservation easements that are developed and implemented in partnership with local conservation districts."

• "Eligible lands for the easement program must be devoted primarily to the production of livestock or agricultural commodities for commercial purposes."

• SCC priorities: the parcel can sustain commercial agricultural production, is in an area that supports long-term commercial agriculture, and "Without preservation, the land proposed for protection is likely to be converted to nonagricultural use in the foreseeable future."

Permanent easement held by SCC; "easement acquisition typically within 2-3 years" after the grant agreement.

Published amounts: Funding matrix: "No match requirement at this time. No minimum or maximum grant amount; the Conservation Commission is eligible for up to 100% of total project costs."

Landowners work with their conservation district, which applies to ACES during the window. "If you are interested in the program, reach out to Paul D’Agnolo (pdagnolo@scc.wa.gov) to schedule a time to talk more about the program".

Deadline text on the page: "Application window closed on February 2, 2026." "The next application window is expected to open November 2027. Applications will be due February 2028. Awards expected in September 2029." Aligns with RCO's even-year cycles.