901.54 Office of farmland preservation - pilot farmland preservation fund. - Ohio Statutes

901.54 Office of farmland preservation - pilot farmland preservation fund.

(A) There is hereby created the office of farmland preservation within the department of agriculture. The office shall do all of the following:

(1) Prepare guidelines and criteria for use in the development of comprehensive local land use plans that encourage the efficient use of public infrastructure and the preservation of farmland;

(2) Establish a farmland preservation program to coordinate and assist local farmland preservation initiatives;

(3) Administer the pilot farmland preservation fund established in division (B) of this section;

(4) Educate existing agencies and organizations on the importance of farmland preservation and on the significance of agriculture and agribusiness to this state’s economy;

(5) Serve as a liaison with other farmland preservation entities operating on a state, regional, or national level;

(6) Prepare an inventory of farmland within this state to monitor the development of lands within this state having prime soils or unique microclimates.

(B) There is hereby created in the state treasury the pilot farmland preservation fund consisting of moneys received by the office of farmland preservation for the purposes of the fund. The fund shall be administered by the office of farmland preservation. Moneys in the fund shall be used to leverage or match other farmland preservation funds provided from federal, local, or private sources.

Effective Date: 06-30-1997