FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAMS

TOOLS FOR PRESERVING AND ENHANCING THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY

Fauquier County maintains several programs for landowners to preserve their land. Several of these programs are designed specifically to benefit farmers! The County maintains a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program which allows farmers interested in preserving their farm and natural character of their property to voluntarily sell Fauquier County the development rights of their land for $35,000 per right while maintaining the right to continue to own and use the property. Families may sell development rights to know that their land will continue to be worked and not developed in the future. The sale of development rights can also help fund current or future farm needs. The PDR is not intended to prevent future farm expansion or development but prevents future residential or industrial development. The PDR remains with the land, so if you ever sell your land, it still will not be able to be developed.  If you use your land for agricultural production—and intend to always do so—then this could be a great program for you! Since establishing the program in 2002 approximately 13,469 acres in Fauquier County have been approved for the PDR program. Fauquier County leads the Commonwealth in farmland acreage protected through PDR. Fauquier County also accepts donations of Conservation Easements. 

 Fauquier County PDR Program to Accept New Applications!

Fauquier County’s Purchase of Development Rights Program will be accepting new PDR Applications September 1, 2024 through November 1, 2024. 

Click here for an Application or contact:

Department of Agricultural Development                              16 Courthouse Sq. #402                                                  Warrenton, Virginia 20186

  (540) 422-8280 

• PDR Deed of Easement
• Donated Conservation Deed of Easement
• Conservation Easement Brochure