Farmland Protection Toolbox...

                                                                                                                  © Amalie Lipstreu

What are the possible tools for protecting farmland not currently in place in Ohio?

Transfer of Development Rights - TDR allows landowners or developers to transfer the right to develop one parcel of land (sending area) to a different parcel of land (receiving area). It is designed to shift development from agricultural areas to areas that have the infrastructure capability to support increased development. After the right to develop has been shifted from the sending to the receiving area, the original parcel is protected with a permanent conservation easement. The benefits to this type of program is that it offers permanent protection, is a voluntary - market driven process, it promotes orderly growth in areas with the capacity to provide necessary services, and farmers can retain equity without developing their land. A market must exist for increased density in the receiving areas.  TDR Legislation has been introduced into the State of Ohio House of Representatives as HB 69.

* These definitions and descriptions are intended for educational purposes only and are not to be construed as legal definitions or advice

Agricultural Economic Development Tools underutilized in Northeast Ohio

Direct Marketing
Growers that market their products directly to consumers can receive higher prices then those who sell wholesale. Units of government can encourage the development of agricultural retail business by permitting activities such as : roadside stands, farmers markets, pick your own operations and other agricultural uses in their zoning by laws. One way to promote your local farmers is to produce a map or directory of all of the farm stands, markets and agricultural activities in your community.

Farmers Markets
At such markets farmers have direct access to a wide base of consumers. There is the opportunity to interact with community members, talk about farm location, activities and products. These are often outdoor markets where farmers travel from many different areas to sell their products directly to consumers. Farmers markets in Northeast Ohio have increased the level of economic development and revitalization of other area businesses. To view a list of all the farmers markets in Northeast Ohio click here

Marketing to restaurants and food retailers
When farmers sell directly to a variety of stores and/or restaurants, they have the opportunity to garner a greater share of the price that these products usually command. There is no middleman in the process adding their costs to the sale. There are non-profit organizations that work to assist farmers in accessing these markets and Northeast Ohio has a number of groups looking to provide this type of assistance. The Center for Farmland Preservation in Northeast Ohio will participate in these endeavors and share information as these services develop.

Community Supported Agriculture
In a CSA, customers pay a share to the farmer at the beginning of a growing season. At the time when diverse products are harvested, these customers receive a weekly share of those products. CSA’s can help farmers by taking some of the risk out of the process. While this is a labor intensive effort and often requires a great deal of diversification, there is considerable unmet demand in Northeast Ohio. The few CSA farmers in business have waiting lists of customers who want to participate.

Agritourism                                                                                         © Amalie Lipstreu     
Some farmers have opened up their farms to educational and recreational services and programs to surrounding communities. These activities may include school tours, hay/sleigh rides, crop mazes, petting zoos, ranch vacations and bed and breakfast operations. Customers come directly to the farm and utilize those products on the farm. This also has the added benefit of exposing people to farming, educating them about where their food comes from and the role of farming in the community. Through this and other types of direct marketing programs, consumers see the value in preserving farms and farming as an industry.

Farms in Northeast Ohio have the burden of dealing with rising land prices and development pressure. Farmers in this area also have the benefit of access to many lucrative markets. As we are within the Greater Cleveland, Akron, Lorain, Medina areas, farmers have potential access to a great deal of restaurants, farmers markets, retail stores and consumers!

See Current Tools for Farmland Preservation