Ohio Department of Agriculture Awards Grants for Farmland Preservation in Richland County
Richland County, Ohio, is one of 22 counties receiving a portion of $1 million in Land Use Planning Grants from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The county will receive $50,000 to aid in the creation or updating of land use or farmland preservation plans. These grants are part of a broader initiative to balance economic growth with the preservation of farmland, which is a significant contributor to Ohio's economy, generating $124 billion annually. To qualify for these grants, counties must collaborate with local townships, villages, and municipalities that have active farmland, as well as work with county Soil and Water Conservation Districts or Regional Planning Commissions. Optional partners may include land trusts, agricultural nonprofits, or educational institutions that provide technical assistance.