Supplying Preservation: Landowner Behavior and the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program
Date
2004
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Food and Resource Economics
Abstract
This report presents the results of a survey of Delaware agricultural landowners
about their characteristics, opinions, and behavior regarding participation in the
Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program, specifically the PACE and
Ag Dist programs. The results demonstrate that participants tend to:
• Own larger farms
• Be more likely to raise corn, soybeans, and vegetables
• Have more decision makers
• Be much more likely to be full-time operators
• Be more likely to value working outdoors
• Be more likely to value ownership to pass land onto children.
The results also show that word of mouth is the most common way Delaware
landowners learn about the DALP program. Owners’ views about the DALP
program were investigated. Key findings include:
• Participants and nonparticipants identified preserving land for family as
the most attractive aspect of the Ag Dist program
• Both groups valued the Ag Dist program for its protection against
agricultural nuisance suits and taxes
• A majority of PACE participants found that program attractive to
relieve pressure from debt, to provide retirement security, and to
reinvest in their operations
• A minority of Ag Dist participants and nonparticipants were interested
in PACE to relieve pressure from debt.
Participants had positive experiences with the DALP process.
• Large majorities were satisfied with the DALP staff
• Large majorities of PACE participants were satisfied with the DALP
procedures and outcomes
• A large majority of Ag Dist participants were satisfied with DALP
procedures
• A majority of Ag Dist participants were satisfied with the outcome
• A large majority of participants would participate in Ag Dist if they had
the chance to do it again
• Most PACE participants are using PACE money for investments
• Some PACE participants are using PACE money to pay debts.
Description
Keywords
Purchase of agricultural conservation easements, Purchase of development rights, Agricultural preservation districts