What are Agricultural Security Areas?

These districts have been used to preserve farmland throughout Ohio

Agricultural Security Areas (ASAs) in Ohio are voluntary land use programs designed to promote and protect agricultural land in the state's unincorporated areas. Established by legislation enacted in 2005 and later amended in 2008, ASAs aim to strengthen the farming community's sense of security in land use and the right to farm. This initiative is part of Ohio's broader efforts to preserve farmland, which also include the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) assessment method, agricultural districts law, and agricultural easements. Currently, there are 16 ASAs in Ohio that are currently protecting over 16,000 of farmland. Today, Civic Capacity will dive into these tools and how they are used to protecting agricultural interests in our state.

To qualify for enrollment in an ASA, land must meet several criteria. First, it must be located in an unincorporated area of the county and consist of at least 500 contiguous acres of farmland. This acreage threshold can be met by a single owner or multiple contiguous owners who aggregate their land. The land must be "used for agriculture" as defined by Ohio law, which encompasses a wide range of activities including farming, ranching, aquaculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and related processing and marketing activities. Furthermore, the land included in an ASA must be part of an established agricultural district and valued for tax purposes under the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) system. This ensures that the land is actively used for agricultural purposes and receives appropriate tax treatment.

The process of establishing an ASA begins with the submission of an application to both the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Township Trustees. If the land spans multiple townships or counties, applications must be submitted to each relevant board. The Ohio Department of Agriculture provides a standardized application form, which can be submitted by a single landowner or jointly by multiple landowners.

The application for an ASA must include detailed information about the property and its owners. This includes the names of all applicants, information about any property interests held by others (such as mineral rights or easements), and a statement committing the applicant(s) to refrain from initiating, approving, or financing any new non-agricultural development during the 10-year enrollment period.

Applicants must also disclose any violations of environmental laws in Ohio or other states over the preceding 10 years. Additionally, a statement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) confirming compliance with best management practices is required.

Applicants must also provide a detailed map of the proposed ASA. This map must show the boundaries of the land to be enrolled, parcel numbers, nearby water bodies and infrastructure, and any existing residential, recreational, commercial, or industrial facilities within 500 feet of the ASA's perimeter.

Once an application is submitted, it becomes a public record. County commissioners and township trustees may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of processing applications, including public notices and administrative expenses.

The establishment of an ASA comes with both commitments and benefits for landowners. By enrolling in an ASA, landowners agree to maintain the agricultural use of their land for a 10-year period. This commitment helps to ensure the long-term viability of farming operations and promotes agricultural land retention.

In exchange for this commitment, landowners in ASAs may be eligible for certain benefits. One significant advantage is that new agricultural buildings, structures, improvements, or fixtures used exclusively for agricultural purposes within an ASA may qualify for tax exemptions. This incentive can help farmers invest in their operations without incurring additional tax burdens.

While the ASA program places restrictions on non-agricultural development, it does allow for some flexibility. Landowners can request approval to operate certain businesses and establish single-family residences for family members. The program also recognizes the importance of energy production, allowing for the construction and operation of wind energy facilities and oil or gas wells, provided these activities do not make the land ineligible for CAUV.

The ASA program is administered with support from the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Office of Farmland Preservation. This office provides guidance and technical assistance to landowners interested in enrolling in ASAs, as well as to county commissioners and township trustees who receive ASA applications. The Director of Agriculture also prepares an annual report on ASAs, including information on the number of acres enrolled, their locations, and any tax exemptions granted

Agricultural Security Areas represent a balanced approach to farmland preservation throughout our state. By offering incentives and protections to farmers who commit to maintaining their land in agricultural use, ASAs help to safeguard the state's agricultural heritage and economy. At the same time, the program's voluntary nature and limited duration allow for flexibility as land use needs change over time.

The establishment of ASAs in Ohio reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preserving farmland in the face of increasing development pressures. By creating special areas where agriculture is considered the primary or preferred land use, ASAs help to maintain the viability of farming communities and ensure the continued production of food and other agricultural products.

Agricultural Security Areas are a vital tool in Ohio's efforts to preserve farmland and support its agricultural sector. By providing a framework for long-term agricultural land retention and offering tangible benefits to participating landowners, ASAs contribute to the sustainability of Ohio's rural landscapes and agricultural economy.

The challenge for the ASA program here in Miami County is multi-faceted. The 500 acre requirement can be a challenge given the larger number of smaller farms located in Miami County. In addition, the benefits of the ASA program provide aren’t noticeably appreciable in Miami County. The large tracts of agricultural land in Miami County that exist, largely don’t need the protections the ASA program provides since there are no development pressures currently on such areas. However, the ASA program does provide an opportunity to save farmland and any such local strategy to preserve our county’s agricultural heritage should at least took at ASAs as a possible tool.

What do you think?

Is farmland preservation an important local issue? Can ASAs be a part of the solution? Be a part of our discussion! Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread!

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