By Andi Anderson
Farmland across the United States continues to decline at a steady pace. Over the past 25 years, millions of acres have been lost as land is converted to nonagricultural uses.
This long-term trend has raised serious concerns about food security, rural communities, and the future of farming.
In response to these challenges, Ohio took action decades ago to help protect farmland. In 1982, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 78, commonly known as Ohio’s Farmland Preservation Act.
This legislation created agricultural districts, a voluntary program designed to help farmers keep their land in agricultural production.
Agricultural districts offer several important benefits. One key protection is a legal defense against nuisance lawsuits.
Farms located in an agricultural district are protected if they meet specific requirements, including being established before nearby nonfarm neighbors and operating under accepted agricultural practices.
Another benefit involves the deferment of development assessments. When public utilities such as water, sewer, or electric lines are extended, property owners are often charged based on road frontage.
For farmers, these costs can be significant. Agricultural district enrollment allows these assessments to be delayed until the land is converted to nonagricultural use, helping reduce financial pressure.
The law also adds safeguards related to eminent domain. If a proposed project would take more than 10 acres or 10 percent of a property, a review by the state director of agriculture is required to determine whether alternatives exist. This process helps ensure farmland is not taken unnecessarily.
To qualify for an agricultural district, landowners must meet the same requirements as the Current Agricultural Use Value program. Farms must include at least 10 acres used for agriculture for three years and generate an average gross income of at least $2,500 annually during that period.
While many factors contribute to farmland loss, agricultural districts provide valuable protection for those who qualify. Farmers already enrolled must remember to renew their designation every five years.
Local organizations such as the Trumbull County Farm Bureau and the OSU Extension assist farmers with enrollment and renewal. These efforts help ensure farmland remains productive and protected for future generations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-creativenature-nl
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle