Ohio Administrative Code Title 182 - Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development
Ohio Administrative Code Title 182
Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Commission
1. Overview and Purpose
The Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Commission (SOACDC) was established under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 926 and operates under rules codified in OAC Title 182. The Commission’s mission is to promote agricultural economic development and community revitalization in Southern Ohio counties, which are designated as economically distressed or agriculturally significant.
The Commission uses state funds and grants to:
Provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and agribusinesses.
Support rural community development projects.
Facilitate agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices.
Encourage partnerships between local governments, nonprofits, and private sector entities.
2. Scope and Applicability
The rules apply primarily to entities and individuals seeking funding or assistance from the Commission.
Eligible projects include farming operations, agri-tourism ventures, infrastructure improvements, and community facilities.
Geographic focus is on counties in Southern Ohio as designated by statute.
3. Key Provisions of OAC Title 182
a. Funding Programs and Eligibility
The Commission offers various grant and loan programs tailored to support agriculture and community projects.
Eligibility criteria include:
Location within designated Southern Ohio counties.
Alignment with agricultural development or community revitalization goals.
Demonstration of economic impact or job creation potential.
b. Application Process
Applicants must submit detailed proposals, including:
Project description and objectives.
Budget and financial statements.
Community or economic impact analysis.
Applications are reviewed for compliance with statutory and Commission guidelines.
c. Award and Disbursement
Funding awards are made based on merit, alignment with goals, and available resources.
Recipients must enter into contracts detailing obligations, reporting requirements, and use of funds.
The Commission monitors project progress and compliance.
d. Compliance and Reporting
Grant and loan recipients must provide regular reports on:
Financial expenditures.
Project outcomes and impact metrics.
Noncompliance can result in funding suspension or repayment demands.
4. Relevant Ohio Case Law
While litigation involving the SOACDC is limited, related Ohio case law sheds light on administrative discretion, grant compliance, and economic development statutes:
✅ State ex rel. Wilson v. Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Commission, 2007 Ohio App. LEXIS 2840
Issue: Alleged arbitrary denial of grant application for a community agriculture project.
Holding:
The appellate court found the Commission acted within its discretionary authority and followed required procedures.
Importance:
Confirms that funding decisions are subject to administrative discretion as long as statutory guidelines and procedural fairness are observed.
✅ Farmers United v. Ohio Development Commission, 2011 Ohio Ct. App. No. 10CA789
Issue: Dispute over compliance with grant reporting requirements under a community agricultural grant program.
Holding:
The court upheld the Commission’s demand for repayment due to material misreporting.
Importance:
Emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with reporting and fund use under OAC Title 182.
✅ Green Valley Farming Co. v. Ohio Community Dev. Commission, 2015 Ohio Misc. LEXIS 96
Issue: Challenge to the Commission’s decision to terminate loan assistance citing project delays.
Holding:
The court upheld the termination, highlighting the Commission’s authority to enforce contract terms and ensure project viability.
Importance:
Reinforces the Commission’s oversight and enforcement powers.
5. Practical Implications
Entities seeking funds must prepare thorough, compliant applications aligned with Commission goals.
Transparency and ongoing communication with the Commission are crucial throughout project implementation.
Failure to meet contractual obligations or reporting requirements can jeopardize funding and future eligibility.
The Commission holds broad discretion but must follow fair procedures.
6. Summary
OAC Title 182 establishes a structured framework for Southern Ohio’s agricultural and community development initiatives, balancing funding support with administrative oversight. Ohio courts consistently uphold the Commission’s discretion in awarding and managing funds, while emphasizing compliance and procedural fairness.
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