Ohio Expands Farmland Preservation Program

By Andi Anderson

Ohio's agricultural legacy receives a significant boost as the Ohio Department of Agriculture proudly welcomes several farm owners from Clinton, Delaware, Fayette, Huron, Licking, Madison, and Morrow counties into the Farmland Preservation program. This substantial commitment reflects a collective effort to safeguard and perpetuate Ohio's cherished agricultural landscape. 

The new additions to the program include: 

• Michael S. Bentley (Fayette County) - 191 acres 
• Linda J. Hudson (Madison County) - 152 acres 
• Benjamin J. Watkins (Delaware County) - 100 acres 
• Timothy George Moss (Huron County) - 131 acres 
• David A. Felumlee (Licking County) - 61 acres 
• Patricia A. Walrath (Licking County) - 116 acres 
• Robert A. Barker and Dorothy V. Barker (Morrow County) – 160 acres 
• Bean Bros, LLC (Clinton County) – 46 acres 

These recent additions, alongside the 29 farms that joined in 2023, underscore Ohio's strong commitment to preserving agricultural land. The Farmland Preservation initiative facilitates voluntary agreements between landowners and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). In these agreements, landowners pledge to sustainably use the land predominantly for agricultural purposes in perpetuity. In return, landowners receive compensation or potential tax deductions. 

Local sponsors such as Fayette Soil and Water Conservation District, Madison County Commissioners, Delaware County Commissioners, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Licking Soil and Water Conservation District, Morrow Soil and Water Conservation District, and Clinton Soil and Water Conservation District collaborated with the ODA to secure these crucial agreements. 

Since its inception in 1998, the Office of Farmland Preservation has facilitated 709 farms encompassing 105,856 acres in preservation agreements. These efforts not only bolster Ohio's status as a leading producer but also benefit Americans nationwide. 

Proceeds from the purchase of these easements empower landowners to invest in Ohio's local economy. They expand farming operations, acquire new equipment, reduce debt, implement conservation practices, plan for retirement, support educational pursuits, and contribute to Ohio's thriving agricultural industry. The state's investment in farmland easements sustains Ohio's agricultural heritage for future generations, preserving a vibrant rural landscape and a robust economy. 

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer