Ohio Legislature Passes HB 65, Officially Recognizing Ohio Soil Health Week

House Bill 65, the Agriculture Appreciation Act, passed the Ohio legislature on June 24, 2025, and was signed into law by Governor DeWine yesterday, on July 1. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) and members of its Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI) celebrate the passage of this bill and the opportunities that come with it.

The bill makes several specified day and week designations relating to agriculture, including recognizing the second full week of November as “Ohio Soil Health Week.” OEFFA thanks Sen. Tim Shaffer for his 2024 amendment recognizing Ohio Soil Health Week and applauds Reps. Klopfenstein and Peterson for reintroducing the bill this session.

Ohio Soil Health Week celebrates and raises awareness of the vital natural resource and honors the birthday of soil health trailblazer and advocate David Brandt of Brandt Family Farm and Walnut Creek Seeds. The inaugural celebration of Ohio Soil Health Week took place from November 10-16, 2024—preceding its official designation—and involved 25 statewide partners, 19 events, and more than 724 attendees.

“The official designation by the State of Ohio elevates the importance of soil health in the public imagination,” said OEFFA Policy Director Milo Petruziello. “This allows us to grow the week and raise more awareness of soil’s vital role in our health, environment, and economy.”

_{OSHI partners Rural Action hosted a rally in celebration of last year’s Ohio Soil Health Week. Farmers, eaters, advocates, and local and state legislators were in attendance.} _{(Photo credit: OEFFA)}

During last year’s celebration, event attendees toured farms, heard from legislators, and learned about soil health practices directly from farmers. Healthy soils improve water infiltration and retention, reduce the need for agricultural inputs, bolster a farm’s resilience to extreme weather, and often increase the bottom line. Agriculture is Ohio’s top industry, and those involved in the sector are stewarding Ohio’s lands. Like the late David Brandt, many Ohio producers are working to expand their soil health practices and share what they learn.

David’s son, Jay Brandt, shared, “The Brandt family celebrates the passage of HB 65. Our father, David, was a strong advocate for Ohio agriculture, soil stewardship, and education. We are pleased to see his legacy continue with the Agriculture Appreciation Act, especially with the focus on soil health and consumer education. We are thankful to the Ohio House and Senate for their recognition of the contribution and importance of agriculture to the State of Ohio.”

Last year alone, 28 states passed healthy soils legislation. By officially recognizing Ohio Soil Health Week, Ohio is harnessing this nationwide momentum to celebrate and protect one of our most critical natural resources. OEFFA commends Governor DeWine for signing HB 65 into law and is excited about the opportunities it brings. This is a crucial first step, providing the platform to expand soil health education and awareness far and wide.

This year’s Ohio Soil Health Week celebration will take place from November 9-15. Learn more and get involved at ohiosoilhealthweek.com.

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