Donate to Support OEFFA’s Work

What does grassroots mean?

It can be an approach, a movement, a system. To OEFFA, it’s the power of people.

For more than four decades, OEFFA has worked to cultivate a future in which sustainable and organic farmers thrive, local food nourishes our communities, and agricultural practices protect and enhance our environment. And over those decades, every member we’ve helped has carried a unique story that spurs our work.

From farms to gardens, from institutions to communities, OEFFA’s staff has listened to, supported, and connected educators, farmers, advocates, gardeners, and so many more.

In the past year, more than 500 farmers-including 75 beginning farmers-received 397 hours of one-on-one technical assistance from OEFFA staff. We pushed for the passage of Ohio House Bill 95, helping farmers overcome land access challenges. And OEFFA distributed $187,000 in National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) funds to more than 350 Ohio organic producers and processors, helping make certification affordable to them.

For far too long, while doing the vital task of keeping the nation fed, diversified and organic farmers have been critically under-supported. OEFFA not only offers numerous resources to growers of all levels, but also provides a much-needed community of those dedicated to creating a more resilient food system.

These stories, these people, are what drives OEFFA forward. Together, we make OEFFA greater than the sum of its parts, and as 2022 and beyond bring us some of our greatest challenges, we need your support now more than ever.

Please support our work by making a tax deductible donation. Every gift makes a difference!

2020 OEFFA Annual Report

The question of uncertainty never felt as powerful as it did early in the pandemic, and OEFFA responded just as boldly. We offered resources to farmers and markets to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and provided much-needed community for farmers in distress.

Last year OEFFA continued to make a difference for our farmers, our communities, and our environment by:

  • Engaging our grassroots to urge state and federal policymakers to help those impacted by implementing disaster aid programs for small and mid-scale farmers
  • Supporting farmers transitioning their land to organic production with education and one-on-one technical assistance and mentoring, helping to convert more than 6,000 acres into new organic grain production
  • Gathering nearly 450 beginning farmers and community leaders to gain practical skills in farmland transfer, business development, transitioning to organic, and much more

Read OEFFA’s 2020 annual report to learn more.

If you’re not an OEFFA member, now is a great time to join! Members receive:

  • A subscription to OEFFA’s 24-page quarterly newsletter
  • Free listings in our online local food and product directory, the Good Earth Guide, invitations to OEFFA’s educational workshops, webinars, conference, summer farm tours, and much more
  • Discounted admission to the annual conference and other events
  • Access to grower support, including services focused on beginning farmers and transitioning to organic
  • Community with an inspiring group of food and farm advocates helping to build a strong and sustainable food chain!

If you’re a current member of OEFFA, thank you! There are many other ways for you to support this work, including attending events, contacting your legislator, engaging with a chapter, mentoring a young farmer, making a donation, or certifying your farm.

Not sure if you’re a member? Or want to learn more? Contact Member Care Associate Scott Lawski.