The USDA and You
Have you ever wondered about policy’s role in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs? As part of the 2024 OEFFA Farm Tour Series and in collaboration with partner organizations, these free events will share how federal and state policies influence USDA programs and how they can be utilized to support your farm business. Tune into one of the virtual sessions, or all three!

The USDA and You: Local Food Grants
Virtual, Monday, August 5—7-8 p.m.
Explore how federal funding can benefit a direct-to-consumer food system. Get an overview of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and how it supports the development of direct marketing, local and regional food, and value-added agricultural products. LAMP encompasses the Farmers Market Promotion Program, Local Food Promotion Program, Regional Food System Partnerships Program, and Value-Added Producer Grants Program. Join this virtual conversation to learn how these are important investments to support your communities’ future growth.

The USDA and You: Organic Transition Support
Virtual, Tuesday, October 8—7-8 p.m.
Review how federal funding affects organic farmers on the ground, talking through the National Organic Program, the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), and how the feedback loop works within the USDA through the National Organic Standards Board with producers. An OEFFA Sustainable Agriculture Educator will review the TOPP program and how it’s being implemented in Ohio. Understand why these federal funding programs are critical for expanding the organic market and resilient food systems.

The USDA and You: Conservation Programs
Virtual, Tuesday, November 12—7-8 p.m.
Explore USDA conservation programs and the ways they can benefit farmers. This session will focus on the NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Learn about the historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as how the programs work, their impact, and how farmers and farm advocates can influence their implementation to improve them over time. If you have used one of these programs, or are thinking about it, please join the conversation!

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
NEW ADDRESS
150 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Suite 230
Worthington, OH 43085
OEFFA:(614) 421-2022 (614) 421-2022
OEFFA Certification:(614) 262-2022 (614) 262-2022
Fax:(614) 421-2011 (614) 421-2011