The Farmland Preservation Act: What it Means for Tennessee Farmers
A Big Win for Tennessee Farmers and Our State’s Largest Economic Sector
On May 12, 2025, Governor Bill Lee signed the Farmland Preservation Act into law, which is big news for Tennessee farmers and the agricultural future of our state. The law creates a $25 million fund to help farmers voluntarily protect their land through permanent conservation easements. It’s a powerful step toward conserving the rural landscapes that define our state and allow our largest economic sector to thrive.
The following phase is a rulemaking process to determine exactly how the Farmland Preservation Act will be implemented—eligibility requirements for landowners and their properties, which costs will be covered, what the application process will look like, how projects will be prioritized, and more. Check back regularly on our website and socials and sign up for our e-newsletter for updates.
The Stakes: An Alarming Rate of Farmland Loss in Tennessee
Every hour, Tennessee loses about 10 acres of farmland. Also at risk are family stories, the opportunity to grow crops and raise livestock, old traditions, and livelihoods. Between 1997 and 2017, Tennessee lost more than a million acres of farmland. In just the five years after that, another 430,000 acres were converted to other uses. We now rank third in the nation for projected farmland loss.
These statistics can make farmland protection seem daunting to individual farmers. But the new Farmland Preservation Act legislation gives farmers a real option to protect the land they love and rely on, without giving up ownership or the ability to keep farming. At The Land Trust for Tennessee, this is the heart of what we do. We’ve already partnered with farmers and families across 76 counties to protect more than 137,000 acres since 1999—and we’re just getting started.
Bolstered by Governor Lee’s support, we’ll be able to help even more farmers secure their land for future generations. The funds provided by this bill will lessen financial barriers to land protection, allowing even more Tennesseans to conserve the land they love and rely on.
Stories From Tennessee Farmers
Below, you’ll find stories from farmers across Tennessee who’ve chosen to work with The Land Trust for Tennessee to protect their land. Discover why they chose conservation, what it means for their families, and how it’s helping them stay rooted on the land they love. These aren’t just success stories—they’re reflections of what’s possible when people come together to protect what matters most.
Rocky Field Farm
Wayne Hughes and his family partnered with The Land Trust for Tennessee to place a conservation easement on his own family’s Pioneer Century Farm in 2009. This designation is given to farms that have been actively maintained by the same family for over 200 years. Rocky Field Farm is currently a cattle operation, but it’s gone through many changes since 1796 when Hughes’ ancestors first settled on it.
With the way things are now, open green space and farmland will probably be more valuable in the future. Now, that’s protected in perpetuity. It can’t be broken up. I want to see it stay like it is after I’m gone
– Wayne Hughes, farmer
River Ridge Farm
River Ridge Farm, nestled along over 2,000 feet of Tennessee River frontage, has been in Dave Waters’ family since the 1960s. This historic 152-acre farm, adjacent to Washington Ferry—a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places—holds deep roots in Tennessee’s history and landscape.
The farm not only conserves the historic context of this important ferry site but also safeguards the scenic beauty for those crossing the Highway 30 bridge between Rhea and Meigs Counties. Additionally, the farm’s woodlands extend vital habitats for local wildlife within proximity to four Wildlife Management Areas.
Too many farms are divided, sold off, or turned into subdivisions. We didn’t want that to happen here. – Dave Waters
Cherry Ridge Farm
Cherry Ridge, the family farm of Alicia Fitts and her brother Stephen, is more than just a piece of land—it’s a living part of their family’s history. Through their decision to protect the land with The Land Trust for Tennessee, cattle farmers Alicia and Stephen are honoring their parents’ wishes and ensuring that over 370 acres will remain undeveloped, serving as open space in an area that is quickly becoming dominated by development.
“This land isn’t just ours for our lifetime. It’s something we’re caring for, so that it can continue to be a part of this community long after we’re gone.”
– Alicia Fitts