Ohio Preserved 58 Family Farms
The state approved new agricultural easements across 36 counties to protect 5,165 acres of farmland.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Ohio Department of Agriculture has finalized the purchase of agricultural easements on 58 family farms spanning 5,165 acres. These protections aim to prevent the conversion of vital land to non-agricultural uses.
Why it matters
The program safeguards the future of the state's agriculture industry by ensuring that productive land remains available for farming. It also leverages significant federal support to expand ongoing conservation efforts across Ohio.
The state program, which operates across 36 counties, recently secured $2.4 million in additional federal matching funding in 2026. Eligible farms must be at least 40 acres in size or adjacent to previously preserved land.
The players
Ohio Department of Agriculture
This state agency oversees agricultural policies, food safety regulations, and the administration of farmland preservation programs.
The details
Local sponsors facilitate the purchase of these agricultural easements, which are funded through the Clean Ohio Fund. To qualify for the program, properties must be enrolled in the Current Agricultural Use Value program.
Timeline
From 2002 through 2025, the state preserved 100,954 acres on 689 family farms.
The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund was approved by voters in 2008.
In 2026, the state secured $2.4 million in additional federal matching funding.
The application period for 2027 local sponsor certification closes on October 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
The state's latest land preservation efforts continue to draw from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund established by voters in 2008. This underscores a broader shift toward prioritizing the permanent protection of rural spaces against suburban development pressure.
Protecting this farmland ensures long-term access to locally grown products for Ohio residents. It also helps stabilize the regional food supply by limiting land conversion for residential or commercial projects.
The takeaway
Maintaining dedicated farmland is essential for the longevity of the state agricultural sector. Interested parties should monitor state certification deadlines to participate in future conservation cycles.
What happens next
The application period for 2027 local sponsor certification remains open through October 23, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local land protection efforts on the Ohio Organic Food page.
More information
View the Ohio farmland preservation program details for information on current eligibility and deadlines.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lancaster Eagle-Gazette.
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing permanent farmland preservation over new development in your local area?
