The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Program was approved by the Berkeley County Commission on January 16, 2003 . Under the program, landowners can voluntarily donate or be compensated for the placement of a conservation easement to best ensure that the land stays available for agriculture use. This program establishes uniform standards and guidelines for the eligibility of properties and the ranking criteria utilized to prioritize funds allocation to purchase conservation easements, or to pay associated costs for the purchased or donated easements. The guidelines established by this program outline the various methods of farmland protection available to prospective participating property owners, and the procedures to be followed in applying for program consideration.