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Local communities may be getting a new tool with which to protect the agricultural character of their neighborhoods. A bill that would allow for the creation of Agricultural Security Areas is pending in the Ohio General Assembly. Under the proposed law, local governments may choose to enter into 10-year agreements with landowners, which would prevent nonfarm development from occurring within 1,000 acre tracts of land. Additionally, landowners could be given inducements to encourage investment in the properties.

The 1,000-acre tracts could be owned by an individual or be comprised of smaller tracts from a group of owners. Local governments would agree to do nothing that would encourage nonfarm development in this area. For example, the local authorities would agree to not subdivide land or run water and sewer lines into the area. And, if the local government wishes to, they may offer incentives for landowners to install land improvements, construct buildings or otherwise improve the value of the property. These incentives could include total or partial tax abatements.

According to Scott Williams, OFBF director of state legislative affairs, "This would allow local governments to say they believe agriculture is a valuable and important part of their communities, and they intend to keep it that way. It’s no different than offering tax incentives to a factory or other business that the community believes is good for the area." Williams points out the bill supports local economies. "One or two farms that are encouraged to expand or just stay in business may mean the difference in whether the local mill or implement dealer can stay open."

The concept isn’t new, said Williams. "We’re just breathing new life into it." Agricultural Security Areas would complement the existing Agricultural District law that protects farmers from being assessed for infrastructure improvements.

Opponents to the plan charge Agricultural Security Areas would do nothing other than promote large-scale "factory farms." Not so, says Williams. "The abatements can benefit small, medium or larger enterprises. And if the local community believes an operation is too big or doesn’t otherwise fit the mold of what they want in their neighborhood, they can choose to not offer any incentives."

House Bill 367 to create Agricultural Security Areas is sponsored by Rep. Tony Core, R-Rushsylvania. In response to the state's current budget shortfall, the plan would postpone any tax incentives from impacting revenues until 2004.