Formed in 1979, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) cultivates a future in which sustainable and organic farmers thrive, local food nourishes our communities, and agricultural practices protect and enhance our environment.
OEFFA and its OSHI partners coordinate Ohio Soil Health Week.
Get to know OEFFA
What We Do
OEFFA has a robust membership of farmers, backyard gardeners, consumers, retailers, educators, researchers, and others who help us empower and educate farmers, nurture the local food economy, and advocate for organic and sustainable farmers and consumers. Thanks to this support, we can offer:
Organic Certification
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, we have dedicated education staff, resources, and services.
Farm Tours and Education
Our annual series of free public farm tours features organic and ecological farms and gardens across the state, providing unique opportunities for the public to learn directly from farmers. We also offer technical assistance, resources, workshops, webinars, and other educational opportunities to help producers build their farming, business, and marketing skills.
Farm Policy Matters
OEFFA advocates for state and federal policies that support sustainable agriculture, mitigate climate change, combat corporate consolidation, and level the playing field for farmers feeding their communities. We empower family farmers, gardeners, and eaters to engage with policymakers and advocate for a food system that supports thriving farm businesses, improves soil health, and provides nutritious food to everyone.
Annual Conference
Our popular and inspiring sustainable agriculture conference features nationally-recognized speakers, an exhibit hall, entertainment, locally-sourced meals, and a variety of workshops taught by experienced OEFFA members, farmers, and researchers.
Ohio Soil Health Initiative
Working with the National Healthy Soils Policy Network, OEFFA led the effort to create the Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI), a coalition of farmers, organizations, soil scientists, and agencies committed to advancing soil health policy and programs. They also provide farmer-informed resources and support to accelerate the widespread adoption of soil health practices.
Healthy soil is essential to our future. Soil is the foundation of our food and farm systems, and when its health is prioritized, it holds more water, reduces runoff, and protects water quality. It also helps combat climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil and building on-farm resilience to withstand ever-increasing extreme weather events.
This is why OEFFA is working to make sure Ohio’s commitment to soil health is more than just seed-deep.