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The Conservation Use Valuation Assessment or CUVA was introduced in Georgia in 1992. This program has helped keep thousands of acres of land in agriculture.

How does it work?

CUVA helps keep land in agriculture by allowing farmers to sign a 10-year covenant pledging not to develop their land in return for property tax assessments being based on the land’s productivity value instead of its fair market value. 

Why should you care? 

CUVA has allowed landowners a voluntary incentive to preserve farmland, forestland, and other green space. 

What are the requirements? 

While there is no minimum acreage tracts under 10 acres require additional documentation be filed with your local tax assessor. However, an individual landowner is limited to 2,000 acres enrolled in the conservation use assessment program and must be a U.S. Citizen. 

Eligible uses of the property include, but are not limited to:

• Raising, harvesting, or storing crops
• Feeding, breeding, or managing livestock or poultry
• Production plants, trees, fowl, or animals
• Production of aquaculture, horticulture, floriculture, forestry, dairy, livestock, poultry, and apiarian products. 
• Agritourism

Property must remain devoted to the production of agricultural products, timber, or conservation throughout the life of the covenant. Up to 50% of the land may lie dormant, however the unused portion may not be used for any other business use. Landowners can incur significant penalties for breaching their covenant, so be sure to consult with your local tax assessor for any questions.

Georgia Farm Bureau serves as the gatekeeper of the CUVA program, advocating against changes that could threaten its existence. As a Georgia Farm Bureau member, you help us make sure that programs like CUVA exist and continue to help support our state’s largest industry, agriculture.  Visit gfbinsurance.com to learn how you can become a member of Georgia Farm Bureau. 

Content provided by Alex Bradford, Director of Public Policy for Georgia Farm Bureau.