What is a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program?
PDR Programs are economic development tools to retain agricultural businesses. A PDR Program is a voluntary program that compensates owners of agricultural property for their willingness to accept a permanent deed restriction on their land that limits future development of the land for non-agricultural purposes. Landowners are compensated for the fair market value of their land, based on the difference between what it could be sold for on the open market with no restrictions and what it can be sold for as farmland. Independent, professional appraisers determine these values and an agreement is negotiated on an individual basis with the farmer. Once an easement is in place, the landowner may still sell the land on the open market as farmland. All private property rights remain intact. Why is preserving farmland important to Kent County? A committee of Kent County residents identified the following list. • Economic Benefits of Farmland Protection • Agriculture provides economic diversity
