Supporters of a statewide land conservation bond on November’s ballot used the William H. Jordan Farm in Cape Elizabeth as an example of what such a bond could do in the future.

The $12 million bond would support the Land For Maine’s Future program, which contributed to the 2003 purchase of the development rights of a portion of the Jordan Farm. The bond will be the fifth question on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The “Vote YES on 5” campaign will work to pass the bond, ensuring more funding for the Land for Maine’s Future program. Maine Audubon is leading the campaign.

Since its creation in 1987 the Land for Maine’s Future program has preserved hundreds of thousands of acres of land for public use, according to Maine Audubon. The program’s Web site said it has leveraged more than $50 million in matching funds from private and federal sources. The program has protected vulnerable wildlife habitat, kept forestlands intact and saved farmland, including the Jordan Farm.

The 2003 deal in Cape Elizabeth protected 45 acres of strawberry fields overlooking Spurwink Marsh, while allowing the Jordans to continue farming the land.

Penny Jordan, one of the owners of the farm, said it is important for the Land for Maine’s Future program be able to continue so other farmers across the state who face development pressures can get help preserving their farmland.

“Most farmers would like to see their land preserved rather than see houses built on it,” Jordan said.

She also said the program is essential to meet the state’s goal of preserving 250,000 acres of farmland by 2025.

In the past voters have endorsed two bonds for the program, both passing with a wide margin of support. In 1987, voters passed a $35 million land bond for the fledgling program and again in 1999 when a $50 million land bond was passed. According to the program’s Web site, most of the remaining funds are already committed to land protection projects.