Reynoldsburg, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is pleased to announce that 187 acres of farmland in Ross County have been added to the Farmland Preservation Program, marking the seventh Ohio farm to join the program this year.
The Putnam family farm in Ross County has entered into a voluntary agreement with ODA to maintain the land for agricultural use, ensuring that the land will remain in agricultural production for future generations. This agreement is made possible through the Office of Farmland Preservation, which has protected 716 farms and 106,424 acres of farmland across Ohio since its inception in 1998.
The Farmland Preservation Program is a vital component of Ohio’s agricultural landscape, as it enables the state to remain a top producer of agricultural products, benefiting not only Ohioans but also Americans across the country. The program also invests in the local economy, as landowners use the funds from the easement purchases to expand their farming operations, purchase new equipment, reduce debt, implement conservation practices, plan for retirement, and send their children to college.
The partnership between ODA and local sponsors like the Ross Soil and Water Conservation District is crucial in securing these agreements and preserving Ohio’s agricultural heritage. By working together, we can ensure that Ohio’s farmland remains a vital part of our state’s landscape for generations to come.
