More Ohio farmland will remain Ohio farmland. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is proud to announce 86 acres have been added to the Farmland Preservation program. G. Kelvin and W. June Putnam’s farm in Ross County becomes the 14th Ohio farm to join the program this year.
Agricultural land is a key part of Ohio’s landscape. Preserving this land is essential. An agricultural easement in Farmland Preservation is a voluntary agreement between the landowner and ODA, where the landowner agrees to perpetually maintain the land predominately in agricultural use. In exchange, the landowner is either compensated or may be entitled to a tax deduction.
In partnership with ODA, local sponsor Ross Soil and Water Conservation District played a significant role in securing this agreement.
Since the Office of Farmland Preservation began in 1998, 694 farms totaling 104,470 acres have entered into agreements. This enables Ohio to continually be a top producer, aiding not just Ohioans, but all Americans.
Source: newswatchman.com
Photo Credit: Ohio Department of Agriculture
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy, Sustainable Agriculture