Continuing urbanization and increasing numbers of nonfarm residences in rural areas has raised concerns over the loss of farmland in Ohio. More nuisance suits by new residents over such practices as applying manure and pesticides on the farm have hampered commonly accepted farm practices. Some view agricultural districts as a right to farm law. This is tempered by the need for land in planned growth areas. Therefore, municipalities have a right to modify terms of an agricultural district on land within their boundaries.
Farmland conversion occurs as a result of both push and pull forces.
The push comes from higher costs, increased risk, and lower profit margins in agriculture. The pull is evident by the increased market value of land for alternative purposes. To help farmers mitigate some of the push forces and maintain farmland, legislation was passed in 1982, with subsequent amendments, to allow landowners to create agricultural districts. Participation in either program is independent, though the criteria to participate in either program is the same. Keeping the same criteria for both programs has advantages but has also caused confusion for some landowners as they may believe they are in both programs when they are in only one.