ODA Launches New Grant Program For County Governments To Preserve Farmland, Plan For The Future

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is helping Ohio counties plan for the future. Through a new $1 million grant, county governments now have access to funds that enable them to develop, update, or implement Land Use Plans or Farmland Preservation Plans.

As the state continues to see growth in numerous industries, food and agriculture remains Ohio's top industry - contributing $124 billion to the economy each year. This grant helps align farmland preservation with economic vitality, encourages collaboration between farmers and local governments, and supports efforts to preserve farmland.

"Ohio truly helps feed and fuel the country," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Our state is set up for success because we look out for one another. Farmers understand that better than anyone, as we take care of the land, take care of our families, and take care of our communities. This grant will plant the seeds of success for local governments as they ensure their boundaries preserve the past while harnessing the possibilities of tomorrow."

A land use plan is a guide for counties and local governments to determine how land in their area can be best utilized, while weighing economic, social, and environmental factors. A farmland preservation plan can help these entities identify and find solutions to guard productive agricultural land from conversion - as well as strengthen the economic vitality of the county's agricultural community - while balancing the need for growth in the future.

To be eligible, county governments must demonstrate collaboration with

• All townships, villages, and municipalities within the county that contain active farmland.
• The county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and/or Regional Planning Commission (RCP).
• Optional partners such as land trusts, agricultural nonprofits, or educational institutions that provide technical assistance.

Applications and more information can be found at https://agri.ohio.gov/land-use-planning. Applications must be submitted no later than February 27, 2026.

Ohio is the Heart of Agriculture. The food and agriculture industry provides Ohioans with 1 in 8 jobs. Ohio farmers grow or raise more than 200 different kinds of crops and livestock, and the state is also home to approximately 1,000 food processing companies.