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The state received its first tool to help protect Ohio's farmland from development
in January 2000 when Senate Bill 223 was signed. The law allows landowners to donate development
rights on their land to the State of Ohio or local governments to protect productive farmland from
conversion to non-agricultural use.
Agricultural Easement Donation Partnership Program (AEDPP)
Introduced August 6, 2012, the AEDPP is a new pilot program that will reimburse
local partners (counties, townships, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or land trusts) for real
estate closing and administrative costs of assisting landowners with donations under the state's
farmland preservation program.
The department has set aside $50,000 to cover $3,000 in costs for the donation of
farms up to 200 acres. The incentive would increase by $5 per acre for easements more than 200 acres
in size. Funds will be available statewide.
Potential donations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as certain legal
requirements must be met in order for an agricultural easement to be placed on a property. Landowners
should check with their financial advisor regarding tax benefits that may be associated with easement
donations.
Landowners and local partners interested in AEDPP are encouraged to review the
AEDPP Guidelines below and contact the Office of Farmland Preservation for more information.
 AEDPP Local Sponsor Agreement
AEDPP Guidelines
Sample Notice to Local Government - County
Sample Notice to Local Government - Township
Sample Notice to Landowner
"Tax Breaks for Land Preservation" article (WSJ.com) (2/23/13)
Agricultural Easement Donation Program (AEDP)
Landowners can continue to contact the Office of Farmland Preservation for more
information on donating agricultural easements if a local partner has not yet been identified. Just
as with the AEDPP, the easement will forever keep the land in agricultural production and for that
reason can be a tool for landowners who wish to protect their family farm from development.
AEDP Guidelines
Senate Bill 223
Brochure
List of AEDP and Tobacco Easements
Template Donation Deed
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