CAUV is important in providing preferential assessment to reduce the tax burden on farmers, but alone is unable to preserve farmland in the face of development pressure. The Task Force believes that the recoupment period should be lengthened and the money designated to fund purchase of development rights programs. The Task Force calls on local elected officials to sponsor a State Bill that would make it a local option to extend the recoupment period and use the funds for farmland preservation initiatives.
Agricultural Districts are a valuable means of encouraging and protecting commercial agriculture. The Task Force calls upon local planning and government officials to explore opportunities for creating Agricultural Districts and for educating the public about its benefits.
Right to Farm laws provide a clear message to those moving into a rural area that agriculture is valued and supported by the community. The Task Force recommends that zoning ordinances include an Agricultural Use Notice, and that all new and current residents on any property in or adjacent to an agricultural zone be warned that noise, dust, odors, and sprays are generated by neighboring agricultural operations.
Zoning based on a comprehensive plan is the best tool available for the preservation of farmland. The purpose of zoning is to prevent land use conflicts. Agriculture is exempt from zoning, but using zoning districts such as sliding scale zoning and cluster development allows development to occur while larger tracts of land are still preserved for agriculture.
Vigorously promote the use of Agricultural Conservation Easements through:
Purchase of Development Rights
Transfer of Development Rights
Donation of Development Rights
The sale, transfer, or donation of development rights is one way to place an agricultural conservation easement on a piece of land. An agricultural easement protects farmland by allowing landowners to retain title to their property and transfer or sell it however they wish. However, the easement ensures that the land will be used for farming and protects it from development in perpetuity.
Purchase of Development Rights is currently funded in the State of Ohio through the Clean Ohio Fund. Licking County officials should encourage the State of Ohio to continue to fund this program at the current level and increase funding for this program in the future so that more acreage may be preserved. Local funds should be made available to serve as the required 25% local match to qualify for state funds. Land can be donated in lieu of matching money. Local governments and non-profits conservancy groups should be educated and encouraged to support this program and to enact educational and promotional programs for land owners. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) allows landowners to transfer development rights from one piece of property to another. This enables communities to shift development away from agricultural areas and direct it to areas targeted for growth under a comprehensive plan. TDR works most effectively where regional coordination is strong. TDR is not currently permitted in Ohio but being considered in the legislature; the Task Force encourages local elected officials to actively support passage of the enabling legislation that will allow this program to be developed.
Donation of Development Rights should also be encouraged. Under this program, landowners may donate all or a percentage of the development rights value of their land. The Task Force calls for a strong informational program to educate landowners about the potential tax and other benefits of the donation of development rights.
The best way to preserve farmland in Licking County is to preserve the agricultural industry. The results of the landowner survey show clearly that farmers want more information about alternative crops and new marketing ventures, thus, the Task Force calls for a wide variety of programs that will support and strengthen agriculture in Licking County. No single tool alone can solve the problem of farmland loss. No tool is effective without someone to wield it. It is essential that those making decisions about the future of this County be committed to using these tools.
The success of any farmland preservation plan requires a commitment to educating the public as well as public officials about the benefits of farmland preservation and the means of accomplishing it. The Task Force recommends that a position of Licking County Farmland Preservation Coordinator be established. This may be in the County government or as part of a Non-Profit entity. This coordinator's duties would include educating the public about farmland preservation and providing information and assistance to public officials. The Task Force believes that with strong oversight the goals of the plan and the will of Licking County citizens will be achieved.
The Task Force urges Licking County decision makers to implement the recommendations of this Report. The Task Force considers this document becomes a first step in an ongoing process of preserving agriculture and precious agricultural resources in Licking County.
CLICK HERE (PDF 48.3 MB) to view AGRICULTURE FOR TOMORROW - THE LICKING COUNTY FARMLAND PRESERVATION PLAN