Ohio Soil Health Initiative

Soil is the foundation of our food and farm systems, and healthy soil is essential to our future. Farmers want to take advantage of soil health practices that build resilience and help keep more money in their pockets. Ohio policies can help.

Working with the National Healthy Soils Policy Network, an incubator for state-level healthy soils policy across the country, OEFFA led the effort to create the Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI).

OSHI is a coalition of farmers, organizations, soil scientists, and agencies committed to advancing soil health policy and programs. This broad-based coalition of farmers and stakeholders exists to advance positive soil health outcomes and adoption of validated healthy soil practices. They also provide farmer-informed resources and support to accelerate the widespread adoption of soil health practices.

OSHI At a Glance

Opportunity for Change

As the science of soil health has evolved, it has become more integral to the work of our local, state, and federal agencies. These agencies, service providers, farm service organizations, and associations, as well as farmers themselves, know that healthy soils are the foundation for a resilient food and agriculture system. States across the country are taking proactive measures to help farmers realize these soil health benefits. Ohio should as well.

OSHI’s collective work on soil health is grounded in the experience and needs of Ohio farmers. This, along with regular consultation with our member leaders and engagement from our caucus members, will help us learn from their experience and identify policies and programs that will best serve their needs.

OSHI Partners

OSHI members include farmers, soil scientists, soil and water conservation districts, nonprofit representatives, gardeners, and advocates.

Farmers
Soil scientists
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
The Ohio State University
Central State University

We invite you to be part of this work! Hour-long virtual meetings are held quarterly or monthly, depending on the group’s capacity and our advocacy needs. Complete the form below to sign up for future OSHI meetings.

Learn More About Soil Health

OEFFA Factsheet: Ohio Soil Health Initiative
This OEFFA factsheet provides an overview of the Ohio Soil Health Initiative.
OEFFA One-Pager: Ohio Soil Health Week
A one-pager highlighting why and how OEFFA and the Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI) are celebrating healthy soils during an Ohio Soil Health Week.
OEFFA Soil Stories Video Series
These videos feature interviews with six Ohio farmers, gardeners, educators, and activists about their relationships with the soil.
OEFFA Video: Make More Money by Investing in Soil Health: Part 1
Recorded during OEFFA's 2021 conference, this video provides farmers with real world data on the benefits of soil health practices and field-tested methods to improve their farm’s bottom line and the soil.
OEFFA Video: Make More Money by Investing in Soil Health: Part 2
Recorded during OEFFA's 2021 conference, this video provides farmers with real world data on the benefits of soil health practices and field-tested methods to improve their farm’s bottom line and the soil.