-
OEFFA Launches Annual Series of Farm Tours and Special Events
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) launched its annual Farm Tour Series. The 2026 series includes a number of public farm tours showcasing farms and food processors across Ohio, plus educational and social opportunities with experienced OEFFA staff. This programming opens the door for farmers, gardeners, educators, and food-conscious consumers to learn about local foods and farming firsthand. “Whether you are a farmer, gardener, or eater, OEFFA’s farm tours offer something for you,” said OEFFA Executive Director Khara Strum. “You don’t have to be an expert—or even familiar with organic farming—to enjoy these events. Joining a farm tour is an opportunity to meet the people growing your food…
-
OEFFA Announces 2026 Award Recipients: Debra Knapke, Bonnie Mitsui and Melinda O’Briant
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has named the 2026 recipients of its Stewardship and Service Awards. Bonnie Mitsui and Melinda O’Briant of Turner Farm in Hamilton County received the Stewardship Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the cultivation of sustainable agriculture. Debra Knapke of Franklin County received the Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service in support of sustainable agriculture. “I am honored to recognize this year’s Stewardship and Service Awards at OEFFA. In a time when resources are scarce and tensions are high, these people help remind us of what we stand for, healthy, local food produced in harmony with nature,” said OEFFA Executive Director Khara Strum.…
-
47th Annual Ohio Food and Farm Conference Opens Registration
Registration is now open for Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) annual conference! This educational event is now in its 47th year, bringing together farm and food advocates from across the region with educational workshops and community building. The 2026 OEFFA Conference, Finding Common Ground, will take place Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 15, 2026, at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio. “We are excited to gather in community around sustainable and organic farming in February,” said OEFFA Executive Director Khara Strum. “The last year has been difficult for many and we know how uplifting gathering together can be. Our format this year will allow for greater connection…
-
Important Changes to the 2026 OEFFA Conference
In 1979, a group of 130 farmers and consumers came together around the shared values of keeping family farms healthy and improving access to locally grown organic food. They founded a new organization to further these goals: Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA). This action marked the start of the annual OEFFA conference, bringing together farmers, eaters, and advocates in community and learning. In many ways, the conference is synonymous with OEFFA. The conference has changed greatly in the past 46 years, just as OEFFA as an organization has grown and evolved. Whether taking place in a barn, high school, or convention center, this beloved event is known for…
-
OEFFA Launches 2025 Farm Tour and Workshop Series
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) announces its annual Farm Tour and Workshop Series. The 2025 series of public tours and workshops includes a number of events showcasing organic and ecological farms in Ohio and one in West Virginia, plus educational and social opportunities. This programming opens the door for farmers, gardeners, educators, and conscious consumers to learn about local foods and farming firsthand. “OEFFA is excited about this year’s farm tour series and grateful to our farmer members and partners who are sharing their experience and expertise with anyone interested in learning more about farming, where our food comes from, and why healthy soil is so important…
-
TOPP Mentorship Spotlight: Nanda Kishore Methuku
By Lindsey Marshall, Midwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Intern Originally published in the Winter 2025 edition of the OEFFA newsletter. How does one become a farmer? Many farmers in the United States inherit their farms through generations, continuing the family legacy. Others acquire their farms through succession, a process where farms are passed down to new families or individuals. However, a small percentage are first-generation farmers. Beginning farmers account for only 30 percent of producers in America, and an even smaller fraction are beginning organic farmers. Starting a farm is challenging, with financial hurdles and market volatility posing significant barriers. Nanda Kishore Methuku started his career as a…
-
OEFFA Announces 2025 Award Recipients: Dave Shively, Amalie Lipstreu, Molly Sowash, CJ Morgan
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has named the 2025 recipients of its Stewardship, Service, and Beginning Farmer awards. Dave Shively of Henry County received the Stewardship Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the cultivation of sustainable agriculture; Amalie Lipstreu of Licking County received the Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service in support of sustainable agriculture; and Molly Sowash and CJ Morgan of Athens County received the Beginning Farmer Award, which recognizes innovation and commitment to overcome systemic barriers faced by new farmers. “This year’s awards winners are a testament to OEFFA’s strong, enduring community. Not only do they find ways to break through barriers, they share their…
-
46th Annual Ohio Food and Farm Conference Opens Registration
Registration is now open for Ohio’s largest sustainable agriculture conference. Now in its 46th year, this three-day event brings together hundreds of farm and food advocates from across the nation. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) annual conference, Boldly Grow, will take place Thursday, February 13 through Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Cherry Valley Hotel and Ohio Event Center in Newark, Ohio. “The OEFFA conference has a long history of providing high-quality programming in support of sustainable and organic farming in Ohio and beyond,” said OEFFA Executive Director Khara Strum. “We are looking forward to creating community with farmers, consumers, and advocates through workshops and curated social activities.”…
-
A Message from OEFFA’s Board
Here we are, in the midst of summer 2024, filled with optimism as we collectively witness the fruits of our labor in hundreds of farms and gardens across OEFFA’s region. As we look forward to a bountiful harvest, I want to share the latest updates and some changes we are implementing to ensure we steward OEFFA’s resources wisely for our members and farmers. In May, we welcomed Khara Strum as our new executive director. With nearly two decades of experience in conservation and farming, Khara brings a wealth of new energy and innovative ideas to our organization, and she is stepping into her new position with both confidence and grace.…
-
OEFFA Launches Annual Series of Farm Tours and Workshops
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) and partners invite you to explore farms and farming this summer during the 2024 Farm Tour and Workshop Series. OEFFA’s annual series of public tours and workshops encompasses 24 events, featuring organic and ecological farms in Ohio and Michigan, plus a number of educational workshops. This programming opens the door for farmers, gardeners, educators, and consumers to learn about local foods and farming first hand. Participants will have the opportunity to walk through farm fields, garden beds, livestock pastures, and more during these OEFFA farm tours: Attendees can explore farm programs, understand the organic certification process, navigate farm employment, and more during…
Ecological Food and Farm News
