The agricultural security areas (ASA) statute authorizes one or more landowners of at least 500 acres of contiguous farmland to enroll into an ASA for a 10-year period. Land in an ASA cannot be developed for non-agricultural purposes. In exchange, land in an ASA will not be developed by public agencies and participating landowners can receive up to 75% property tax exemption on new agricultural capital investments.

Ohio has authorized two agricultural district-style programs—agricultural districts and ASAs—with distinct eligibility criteria and benefits offered in each. See “Ohio Agricultural District Enabling Statutes” below for more information.