Agriculture Leases and Permits
Farming Lease
Farming leases carry a maximum 10-year term and are renewable with preference given to the current lessee. Notice will be given to the lessee 90 to 120 days in advance of the expiration of their lease. Agriculture leases are granted on irrigated land farmed to irrigated field crops or vegetables. Permanent crops such as orchards or vineyards are not generally permitted on Trust Land due to their high reimbursable improvement values. Leases may be granted for development of undeveloped land into irrigated crop land on a case-by-case basis depending on the amount of reimbursable improvements associated with the development, location, water conditions, and other factors deemed material by the Department. Development leases are granted for an initial term of two years and may be renewed for up to 10 years if adequate progress has been exhibited in the development.
Farming SLUP
Special Land Use Permits (SLUP) differ from leases in that generally they are for shorter term, may be cancelled by either party, and reimbursable improvements are not allowed. SLUPs are used sparingly in special circumstances such as farming activities over institutional leases of land that is expected to be used for commercial purposes in the near term.
Apiary Permits
Beekeeping is permitted on Trust Land through issuance of a Special Land Use Permit for apiaries. The ASLD insists on buffers between different permittees (two miles) and potential human contact. Most apiary permits are issued in remote areas of the state and many times over an existing grazing lease. Details on the process of site selection and application can be found here
Lease Administration
The Agricultural Lease Section administers the leases and permits for agricultural uses that are issued by the Land Department for State Trust lands.
- State Trust Land can be leased for agriculture (farming) for a maximum of ten years, as set by statute. Renewal of leases is contingent upon the lessee having complied with the terms and conditions of the lease.
- A new lease on undeveloped land is restricted to a two year developmental lease. Renewal of the two-year lease could occur if the lessee has complied with the terms and conditions of the lease and the lease has been substantially developed.
- Improvements - Any temporary or permanent improvement placed on a State agricultural lease must be approved by the Land Department prior to placement. Reimbursement for approved permanent improvements in the event of a taking or sale is provided by law and would be valued on the appraised value at time of the action or by mutual party agreement.
- Rent rates - Agricultural leases are billed annually in advance. The Department utilizes farm areas as a mechanism to differentiate the leases. The farmable rate varies by farm area. The Department’s agricultural lease rentals are subject to annual reappraisal.
Apiary Permit Administration
Permits issued for Apiary (Bee) sites are part of the Agricultural Leasing Program.
- If an entity desires to place a beehive(s) on State Trust Land, a Special Land Use Permit must be obtained from the Land Department for an Apiary (bee) Permit.
- The process for selecting site locations and filing an application area available here [link to .pdf]
Parties interested in leasing Trust Land for agricultural purposes are encouraged to contact an Agriculture Leasing Specialist for more detailed information. Contact the Agriculture Section: [email protected]
