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…

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.”…

From November 10-16, 2024, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA), members of its Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI), and partners will celebrate the inaugural Ohio Soil Health Week. The weeklong, statewide celebration honors and raises awareness about the importance of Ohio’s soils and those who steward them. It will include outreach, education opportunities, and events to elevate this valuable natural resource.  The official designation of Ohio Soil Health Week has been introduced as an amendment to House Bill 162 and is sponsored by Ohio Sen. Tim Schaffer (OH-20). This follows years of advocacy by OEFFA and OSHI to advance soil health legislation in the Ohio General Assembly, drawing…

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…

In the early hours of May 24, the House Agriculture Committee advanced its farm bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (FFNSA), out of committee. This is long-awaited movement for a bill that should have passed last year but the proposed legislation misses the mark. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) joins many in the sustainable food and agriculture space in demanding a farm bill that does more to level the playing field for farmers, protect vital nutrition support, and equip producers with tools to address the climate crisis.  The FFNSA is a 942-page discussion draft that was released on May 17 in advance of…

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is pleased to announce that Khara Strum has joined the organization as executive director, effective May 1, 2024. “With over two decades of leadership and conservation experience, Khara embodies the qualities necessary to propel OEFFA forward as a leader in organic certification, land stewardship, and local food advocacy,” said OEFFA Board President Sarah Paul. “By embracing Khara’s wealth of expertise, fresh perspective, and collaborative spirit, we are eager to embark on this new chapter.” For most of her professional career, Strum has worked in conservation and agricultural land protection. She most recently served as director of the Philander Chase Conservancy, guiding the…

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has named the 2024 recipients of its Stewardship, Service, and Beginning Farmer awards.   Brandt Family Farm of Fairfield County received the Stewardship Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the cultivation of sustainable agriculture; Tom Redfern of Athens County received the Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service in support of sustainable agriculture; and Kim Bayer of Ann Arbor, Michigan received the Beginning Farmer Award, which recognizes innovation and commitment to overcome systemic barriers faced by new farmers. These awards were announced February 15-17 as part of OEFFA’s 45th annual conference in Newark, Ohio. For more information on these awards, visit news.oeffa.org/awards. 2024 Stewardship…

Registration is now open for Ohio’s largest sustainable agriculture conference, a three-day event bringing together hundreds of farm and food advocates. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) 45th annual conference, Cultivating Care, will take place Thursday, February 15 through Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Cherry Valley Hotel and Ohio Event Center in Newark, Ohio. Online registration is now open at conference.oeffa.org. Keynote Speakers Food and Farm School Classes These five full-day classes are intended for in-depth learning: Workshops, Food, Networking, and More A diverse array of workshops, demonstrations, shopping, and more are offered during the conference, including: Conference registration includes access to both the in-person event and to…