The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has announced the availability of $6.5 million in funding to preserve farmland throughout the state. This initiative involves nine land trusts, seven counties or townships, and 26 Soil and Water Conservation Districts receiving allocations from the Clean Ohio Fund. These funds will be used to select, close, and monitor easements under the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP).
Ohio landowners interested in selling an agricultural easement on their farms can apply through their LAEPP sponsor organization. A total of 56 counties have certified local sponsors ready to accept applications. ODA Director Brian Baldridge emphasized the importance of farmers, stating, “Ohio’s farmers are the driving force behind our state’s number one industry – food and agriculture.” He also encouraged those interested to contact ODA or their local sponsor.
The program allows landowners to voluntarily sell easements that ensure farms remain in agricultural production permanently. Eligible farms must meet specific criteria, including being at least 40 acres, actively engaged in farming, participating in the Current Agricultural Use Valuation program, demonstrating good stewardship, having local government support, and not being directly in a development path.
Funding for this program comes from the Clean Ohio Fund, which was approved by voters in 2008. To date, over 111,000 acres across 62 counties have been preserved through various easement programs.
