Preparing for Our Third Annual Soil Health Advocacy Day

We’re excited to make our voices heard about healthy soil! On Tuesday, May 19, we’ll convene for our third annual Soil Health Advocacy Day. This full-day event at the Ohio Capitol will start with advocacy training, move to meetings with state legislators, and end with an optional group debrief and happy hour at Jackie O’s On Fourth.

We’ll be educating our legislators on soil health and advocating for their support of soil health policies. Registration for this has closed. If you have registered and are unable to attend, please let us know ASAP so we can involve another advocate.

Why is Soil Important?

Around one-third of the world’s soils are currently degraded. By 2050, it’s expected that 95 percent or more of our soil could become degraded if current trends continue. Here in the Midwest, we’ve lost more than 57.6 billion metric tons of topsoil over the past 160 years.

At the same time, healthy soil offers many benefits. Healthy soils have been shown to hold more water, protect water quality, and minimize runoff. Fields with healthy soil require less fertilizer and help to sequester carbon. At the end of the day, thriving soils help farmers and ranchers produce healthier crops and use fewer inputs, resulting in a positive return on investment. Aren’t these benefits worth fighting for?

Our voices matter. During last year’s Soil Health Advocacy Day, we had 25 meetings with members of the Ohio General Assembly. We asked for support for HB 65, which would officially recognize the second full week of November as Ohio Soil Health Week. The bill went to the Ohio House floor for a vote shortly after our advocacy day. Then, it was signed into law by Governor DeWine on July 1, 2025!

Who Can Join?

No advocacy experience? No problem! Our staff will ensure that you are prepared for a successful day advocating for healthy soils policy.

Anyone, regardless of their background, can join this event. We welcome farmers, researchers, educators, and eaters. To foster a united voice and help us formulate and strengthen member-driven priorities, we ask that you consider becoming an OEFFA member.