Ohio farmers who want to preserve their farmland through the Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program can now find the 2010 application on the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Web site. The applications are used by the department to evaluate and purchase agricultural easements to preserve Ohio's farmland. All applications must be submitted to the department by April 26, no later than 5 p.m.

Agricultural easements are voluntary legal agreements restricting non-agricultural development on farmland, with the land itself remaining on the tax rolls and under private ownership and management. Landowners may undertake any agricultural activity permitted under Ohio law, and they can sell their farm or pass it along as a gift to others. However, the easement remains with the land, prohibiting any future non-agricultural development to make certain that it remains used for agricultural purposes.

The Clean Ohio Fund bond initiative won support from Ohio's voters in November 2008 to preserve farmland and green spaces, improve outdoor recreation, and to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities by cleaning up brownfields.

To apply for the Agricultural Easement Purchase Program, farmers must work through a sponsoring organization such as a local land trust, a Soil and Water Conservation District, or a group of local officials. These sponsors complete and submit applications on behalf of interested landowners. Applicants have the possibility of earning up to 150 points on their two-part application. Part one of the application focuses on development pressure, soils, proximity to land conducive to agriculture, best management practices, and local land use plans and preservation initiatives. Part two includes narrative questions regarding the farm and its unique appeal to the program.

To access the 2010 application, or to obtain more information about the Agricultural Easement Purchase Program, visit the department's Web site at www.agri.ohio.gov.