Currently accepting pre-applications until February 9th, 2024

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners serves as the Certified Local Sponsor for the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) in Delaware County. On behalf of the Commissioners, the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) coordinates the application process and annual monitoring of easements. Complete applications must be received in the Delaware SWCD office by the end of the business day, Friday February 9, 2024 at 4:30pm. Materials can be submitted in person at 1610 State Route 521, Delaware, OH 43015, or via postal mail to: PO Box 8005, Delaware, OH 43015, Attention Rebecca Longsmith.

What is the LAEPP?

The Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) provides funding to farmland owners for placing an agricultural easement on their property. Monies are issued for up to 75 percent of the appraised value of a farm’s development rights. A payment cap has been set at $2,000 per acre, with a maximum of $500,000 per farm. All easement transactions are recorded on the property deed and transfer with the land to successive owners. Frequently asked questions about the program can be found through the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s LAEPP webpage.

Application Process

For additional information or questions on submitting an application for a Delaware County farm, please contact Rebecca Longsmith through email or by calling the office at (740) 368-1921. Click below to download the application.