Ohio Department of Agriculture
05/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/11/2026 16:34
ODA Awards County Governments Grants to Protect Farmland
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is helping Ohio counties plan for the future. Twenty-two counties will be receiving funds to develop, update, or implement Land Use Plans or Farmland Preservation Plans.
| County | Award Amount | County | Award Amount |
| Clermont | $50,000 | Medina | $45,000 |
| Coshocton | $50,000 | Ottawa | $50,000 |
| Defiance | $50,000 | Paulding | $50,000 |
| Fayette | $50,000 | Pickaway | $50,000 |
| Geauga | $25,000 | Portage | $25,000 |
| Hancock | $50,000 | Richland | $50,000 |
| Hardin | $45,000 | Ross | $50,000 |
| Huron | $50,000 | Shelby | $50,000 |
| Licking | $50,000 | Trumbull | $50,000 |
| Madison | $25,000 | Tuscarawas | $50,000 |
| Marion | $35,000 | Williams | $50,000 |
As the state continues to see growth in numerous industries, food and agriculture remains one of Ohio's top industries - 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.
"We're sending a message that Ohio is the heart of agriculture - a place where fertile land, abundant water, and a strong agricultural heritage come together to drive our economy and create opportunity," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "These grants will help local leaders develop sustainable plans that benefit their communities and our state."
ODA worked with Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature to create this new opportunity, which totals $1 million. Funding was earmarked in the state operating budget, which Governor DeWine signed into law on June 30, 2025.
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 have demonstrated 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.
More information about the grants and application process can be found on ODA's Land Use Planning webpage.
Ohio Department of Agriculture published this content on May 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 11, 2026 at 22:34 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]