OEFFA Announces Rachel Tayse as Executive Director

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association is pleased to announce that Rachel Tayse joins the organization as executive director, effective January 1, 2023.   

“OEFFA Certification Board President Bryn Bird and I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to our executive director, Carol Goland, who has guided and grown OEFFA expertly for 18 years. She has decided to ‘pass the torch’ to the next leader, and the board, staff, and stakeholders have been working diligently to find a replacement. As the natural and social environments continue to change, so does OEFFA,” said OEFFA Board President Steve Edwards. “Our new director, Rachel, along with the board and our other great staff, will continue to serve our membership as we improve our food and farm systems. We look forward to working with Rachel for many more years.”

Rachel comes to OEFFA from her role as program support and systems manager at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. She previously served as an OEFFA board member, as OEFFA’s begin farming program coordinator, and as an OEFFA-certified farm operator. Rachel has a degree in geological sciences from the Ohio State University.

“As a long-time farmer-member, I am eager to collaborate again with the OEFFA staff, board, and partners to build on the organization’s 44 years of history,” Rachel said. “I truly believe that organic and sustainable agriculture, rooted in social justice, is a foundational solution to current and future challenges.”

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Founded in 1979, OEFFA cultivates a future in which sustainable and organic farmers thrive, local food nourishes our communities, and agricultural practices protect and enhance our environment through a number of programs, including:

Annual Conference | OEFFA’s popular and inspiring sustainable agriculture conference features nationally-recognized speakers, a trade show, children’s activities, entertainment, locally sourced meals, and more than 50 workshops taught by experienced OEFFA members, farmers, and researchers.

Farm Tours, Workshops, and Webinars | OEFFA’s annual series of free public farm tours features organic and ecological farms and gardens, providing unique opportunities for the public to see, taste, feel, and learn about alternative production systems directly from farmers. OEFFA also offers workshops, webinars, a newsletter, and other educational opportunities to help producers build farming, business, and marketing skills.

Organic Certification and Transition | One of the oldest and most respected programs in the nation, OEFFA’s Certification program ensures that farmers and processors meet organic’s high standards, which protect farmers, consumers, and the environment. To help farmers navigate the transition to organic, OEFFA has dedicated education staff, resources, and services.

Begin Farming | OEFFA’s Begin Farming program provides aspiring and early career farmers the support they need to understand what it takes to get into farming and grow their businesses. Paid apprenticeships, in-depth workshops, mentoring, staff support, and networking opportunities are designed to help sustainable and organic farmers succeed.

Farm Policy Matters | OEFFA advocates for state and federal policies that protect and benefit sustainable agriculture, research and education, and the public’s right to know. Working with members, OEFFA gives voice to concerned citizens and family farmers who are safeguarding the environment.

Learn more about OEFFA’s work and plans for the future by reviewing the strategic plan.