Food, fuel and fiber aren't the only things that come from farms. Farms can also protect and improve natural resources and the environment—to everyone's benefit. Minnesota is a top state when it comes to privately owned farmland that is set aside or managed to meet conservation goals.
To farmers, "conservation" means any activity that helps protect or improve natural resources. Conservation practices on farms can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat and more.
Conservation practices cost money, but the resulting natural resource benefits can't be sold like other farm products to help cover these costs. Fortunately, there are programs that help many farmers pay for conservation. The MDA helps farmers learn about these ever-changing programs—some offered by the MDA but most by other agencies or organizations.
A wealth of information about conservation practices that benefit the environment and programs that help farmers and other landowners pay for them.
Conservation Funding Guide
Meet Minnesota farmers who've made conservation practices and programs work for them and see Minnesota’s conservation story by the numbers.
Facts & Figures