Ohio Department of Agriculture to Provide Ag Easement Program Sessions

Released by Ohio Department of Agriuclture
Media Contact: Kaleigh Frazier, Public Information Officer, 614-728-6211

Learn how to apply for Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program funds during upcoming meetings offered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Agricultural easements are voluntary legal agreements restricting non-agricultural development on farmland, with the land itself remaining on the tax rolls and under private ownership and management. Landowners may undertake any agricultural activity permitted under Ohio law, and they can sell their farm or pass it along as a gift to others. However, the easement remains with the land, prohibiting any future non-agricultural development to make certain that it remains used for agricultural purposes.

Meetings will feature a presentation by the department’s farmland preservation staff as well as testimony from landowners who have participated in the program. Meeting attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss the program with Ohio Department of Agriculture staff.

Local partners will also be present at each meeting to provide information and direction to landowners. It is important for attendees to connect with these partners who submit applications to the department on behalf of farm owners.

Northwest
Jan. 7, 6 – 8 p.m. (meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend
9250 Marion Twp. Rd. 208
Findlay, Ohio
Local partners: West Central Ohio Land Conservancy, Hancock County Farm Bureau, Hardin County Farm Bureau, Ag Credit

Southeast
Jan. 11, 6 – 8:30 p.m. (includes optional break-out sessions)
Sheridan High School
8725 Sheridan Rd.
Thornville, Ohio
Local partners: Licking County Land Trust, Ohio Farm Bureau, Fairfield Land Preservation Association, Appalachia Ohio Alliance, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, OSU Extension, Sheridan High School, Future Farmers of America
RSVP to Perry County OSU Extension at 740-743-1602

Southwest
Jan. 12, 5 – 7 p.m. (meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Cox Arboretum Metropark
6733 Springboro Pike

Dayton, Ohio
Local partners: Three Valley Conservation Trust, Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District

Contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Office of Farmland Preservation with any questions about the meetings at 614-728-6210, or visit the Web site at www.agri.ohio.gov.