Ohio Preserved 5,165 Acres of Family Farmland
The state program protects local agricultural land from development to support the long-term food supply.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Ohio Department of Agriculture has approved 58 family farms for permanent agricultural easements, covering 5,165 acres across 36 counties, including Fairfield County. This effort aims to maintain the availability of productive land for the state's food and agriculture industry.
Why it matters
By permanently restricting farmland from conversion to non-agricultural uses, the program ensures that local soil remains available for food production. Protecting these working landscapes helps sustain regional food security and agricultural economic stability across Ohio.
Official state records indicate 5,165 acres were newly approved for protection, building on a foundation of 100,954 acres preserved across 689 family farms between 2002 and 2025. The program operates through the Clean Ohio Fund, though the total future impact of additional federal matching remains under assessment.
The players
Ohio Department of Agriculture
The state agency responsible for implementing agricultural policy, food safety, and land preservation efforts across Ohio.
The details
Local sponsors purchase agricultural easements to effectively place a permanent legal restriction on land, ensuring it can only be used for agricultural purposes. To qualify for this protection, farms must be at least 40 acres in size or located adjacent to an already preserved property and must be currently enrolled in the state's Current Agricultural Use Value program. This system prevents the conversion of fertile farmland into residential or commercial development.
Timeline
2002-2025: The program preserved 100,954 acres on 689 farms.
2008: Voters approved the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
2026: The state secured $2.4 million in federal matching funding.
October 23, 2026: The application period for 2027 local sponsor certification closes.
Health Landscape
This effort aligns with the long-term land-use goals established by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund. The expansion of protected acreage follows the conservation pattern established by the fund to secure regional agricultural resources.
Access to local, nutrient-dense food relies on the sustained health and availability of nearby agricultural land. Supporting these preservation efforts is a conversation to have with your local representatives if you are interested in how land-use policy impacts your community food supply.
The takeaway
Preserving farmland is a critical strategy for ensuring the long-term availability of local agricultural produce. Residents interested in regional food security can track which farms in their county are participating in the easement program through the state agriculture department.
What happens next
Local sponsor certification applications for 2027 must be submitted by October 23, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the Organic Food initiatives currently supporting local growers in your area.
More information
View complete program requirements on the Ohio farmland preservation program details portal.
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?
