Why Is Farmland Preservation Important in Ashtabula County?
Agriculture plays a vital role in Ashtabula County. In total, the agricultural industry generates nearly 50 million dollars of gross cash receipts yearly. Over 22% of the county is described as prime farmland. The county has a total acreage of 455,100 acres with 189,510 acres (42%) enrolled in the “Current Agricultural Use Valuation” program and 116,958 acres (26%) enrolled in agricultural districts. The most recent agricultural census indicates the number of farms in Ashtabula County to be 1,090 with the average farm containing 166 acres. A net loss of land in farms of approximately 15,000 acres has resulted since 1980. Ashtabula County’s agricultural industry should be recognized for its contribution to the local and regional economy. Dairy production, cattle, and grain commodities have been and continue to be the major source of agriculture economic strength. Vineyards, nurseries, tree farms, orchards and other specialty agricultural production add to that strength. The unique micro
