Land Conservancy of McHenry County seeks donations for Farmer Match Program
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is seeking donations of land for its Farmer Match Program by April 15.
To qualify, the land must be at least one acre in size, located in McHenry County and in an area that allows for agricultural use.
The land will be enrolled in the program and made available to farmers wishing to grow fruits, vegetables, small livestock, and other food crops. The program is a way to give beginning farmers a helping hand toward their goals, and a way to encourage more farmers to add to our local food system in McHenry County.
Landowners who donate a parcel of land to the program may qualify for an income tax deduction based on the market value of their property.
Landowners will also have the satisfaction of putting their land into a program that will encourage conservation practices, such as cover cropping and field buffers planted with pollinator plants. Conservation practices incorporated into agriculture provide healthy food for the community and improve soil productivity, groundwater recharge and wildlife habitat.
A networking social event is being planned for the end of April. One goal is to create connections between farmers and landowners resulting in more diversified food farmers operating in McHenry County.