State Senator Page Walley Seeks to Safeguard Farmland from Development

State Senator Page Walley seeks to conserve Tennessee farms and agricultural history for future generations. Last Monday, the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee approved legislation to safeguard Tennessee farmland from development. Walley is cosponsoring Senate Bill 207, which proposes a $25 million Farmland Preservation Fund. This fund will pay grants to property owners who voluntarily place their farm or forestry land into an agricultural easement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The program strives to make farmland preservation financially possible for family farms, assuring their continued agricultural use for future generations. Farmers and foresters own their land, choose what to plant and harvest, and have influence over decision-making. This law aims to help Tennessee’s hardworking farmers and foresters. Many families wish to preserve their land as farmland rather than developing it into a strip mall or subdivision. However, budgetary constraints can make preservation challenging. The proposed grant fund provides a resource for farm families to preserve their property in agriculture and family ownership, making conservation a feasible economic alternative. This bill is the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s top priority this year. Walley also discussed protecting the state from fraudulent businesses and foreign adversaries, removing the World Health Organization from Tennessee law, and reducing costs to local governments on inmate autopsies. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov or 615-741-2368.