Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA)
Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP)

The Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) provides funding to assist landowners and communities in preserving Ohio’s farmland, our most vital resource. The program purchases agricultural easements from landowners who volunteer to keep their land in agricultural production in perpetuity. In 2013 the program was changed to the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) to reflect the increased role of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) local sponsors in farmland preservation: counties, cities, townships, Soil & Water Conservation Districts and land trusts.

Landowners apply through pre-approved local sponsors using an online application on the ODA’s website. Each local sponsor receives a portion of the Clean Ohio funds appropriated that year to purchase easements from the highest scoring applicants in their area. The program is highly competitive with about one in 15 applications being funded. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-formerly FRPP) funds, administered by the US Department of Agriculture, may be used to match Clean Ohio funds for up to 50% of the easement value, leveraging Clean Ohio dollars and allowing more landowners to participate in the easement program. The landowner may use proceeds from the easement’s sale for any purpose but most commonly funds are used to purchase additional acreage or equipment, expand farm operations, retire debt, plan for retirement or pay for education.


Approximate Timeline
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15: Local Sponsor Application for Certification Period
Nov. 18: ODA Director announces certified Local Sponsors and funding
Nov. 18 – Jan. 15: Local Sponsors promote local application period
Jan. 15: Local Sponsors gain access to ODA application portal
(see TVCT Local Application Period Timeline for specific Landowner dates and deadlines)
June 4: Farmland Preservation Advisory Board recommends easements for purchase

Downloadable forms and information:
Local Scoring Methodology …Coming Soon!
Agricultural District forms:
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