Eleven Ohio Farms Selected for 2003 Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that 11 farms have been selected for the 2003 Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). 

More than $2.3 million will be distributed to four Ohio farmland protection programs that submitted 10 applications to FRPP. These funds will be used to permanently protect over 1,775 acres of Ohio's productive agricultural soils.

"This year NRCS will partner with State, county, and non-profit programs," said Kevin Brown, Ohio NRCS State Conservationist. "The ability of local governments and non-profits to leverage Federal dollars with a cash match demonstrates the local community's commitment to agriculture."

Lake County Farmland Conservation Task Force will receive up to $490,500 to protect 100 acres on three farms in North Perry Township. $1,735,363 will help protect 1,413 acres on seven farms in Clark (2 farms), Fairfield, Lucas, Madison, Montgomery and Preble Counties through the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Easement Purchase Program. Grand River Partners, Inc., will receive $82,900 to protect 162 acres on an Ashtabula County farm and Tecumseh Land Preservation Association will receive $42,075 to protect 96 acres on a Clark County farm.

The FRLPP (formerly known as the Farmland Protection Program) assists state and local farmland protection programs by providing funds to reimburse up to 50 percent of easements' value. In 2002, NRCS provided $1,612,800 for easements on 1,781 acres in Ohio. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Contact: Julia Hinders, NRCS Natural Resources Specialist, (614) 255-2477, e-mail: julia.hinders@oh.usda.gov