The West Central Ohio Land Conservancy is accepting applications for the 2020 Local Agriculture Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) from landowners located in Allen County, according to Tyler Black of Bluffton and treasurer of the organization.

The LAEPP program allows landowners to voluntarily sell easements on their farms to the State of Ohio. 

The easement requires the farm remain permanently in agricultural production. Selected farms must be more than 40 acres, actively engaged in farming, participate in the Current Agricultural Use Valuation program, enrolled in an Ag District, demonstrate good stewardship of the land, have support from local government and not be in close proximity to development. 

Landowners may use the proceeds of the easement in any way they wish, but most reinvest it in their farm operation.

Interested agricultural landowners are encouraged to call (567) 204-9126 or email WCOLC ([email protected]) for additional information.

https://www.wcolc.org/