REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced that efforts to preserve farmland across the state will receive a significant boost. Nine land trusts, seven counties or townships, and 25 Soil and Water Conservation Districts are set to receive funding from the Clean Ohio Fund. The funds will enable these organizations to select, close, and monitor easements under the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP).
In this round of funding, a total of $6 million will be allocated to support the preservation of Ohio’s farmland. To apply for an agricultural easement, Ohio landowners can fill out an application with their LAEPP sponsor organization. Currently, there are certified local sponsors available in 51 counties, where landowners can direct their inquiries for application details.
The program allows landowners to voluntarily sell easements on their farms to the state of Ohio. By doing so, they commit their property to remain in agricultural production permanently. To be eligible, farms must be 40 acres or larger, actively engaged in farming, participate in the Current Agricultural Use Valuation program, demonstrate good stewardship of the land, have the support of their local government, and not be located directly in the path of development. While landowners may use the proceeds from the easement as they see fit, many choose to reinvest the funds into their farm operations.
Funding for the program is generated from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, which was approved by voters in 2008. When combined with easements from all programs, over 700 family farms across 62 counties have collectively preserved an impressive 105,000 acres of land for ongoing agricultural production.
The preservation of farmland is crucial for sustaining Ohio’s robust agricultural industry and maintaining the state’s rural heritage. By supporting the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program, the state government aims to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of Ohio’s rich agricultural landscape.
Preserving farmland not only safeguards the livelihoods of farmers but also protects the environment by maintaining open spaces, promoting biodiversity, and conserving natural resources. The allocation of funds to land trusts, counties, townships, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts will empower these organizations to play a vital role in identifying and securing key properties that are integral to Ohio’s agricultural heritage.
Ohioans who have dedicated their lives to farming now have an opportunity to protect their land for the long term, while also contributing to the overall well-being of the state. Initiatives like the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program exemplify the collaborative efforts between government and local organizations to preserve and promote sustainable agriculture.
As landowners and organizations come together to participate in the LAEPP, the preservation of farmland becomes a shared responsibility. By engaging in this mutually beneficial program, Ohioans are safeguarding their agricultural traditions and securing the state’s future as a flourishing agricultural powerhouse.
While the LAEPP uplifts local communities and supports Ohio’s agricultural economy, it also serves as a testament to the commitment of Ohioans to preserve their natural heritage. Through these collective efforts, Ohio continues to pave the way for sustainable and responsible land use, ensuring a flourishing future for generations to come.
