Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Using education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to promote local and organic food systems.
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What We Do:

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 70 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. We also offer workshops, webinars, and other educational opportunities that help producers build their 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 our members, we give voice to concerned citizens and ecological family farmers who are safeguarding the environment and providing us with healthy and nutritious food choices. Stay Informed--OEFFA's quarterly newsletter updates members on OEFFA's work; regional, state, and national news; production and marketing information; resources, and events. OEFFA's monthly policy bulletin, action alerts, and blog provides food and farm policy updates and advocacy opportunities. Follow OEFFA's page, Facebook groups, and Instagram and Twitter accounts for news about events and sustainable agriculture. OEFFA's website is packed with useful information and resources, including the Good Earth Guide, which the public can search for local and organic food and farm products from OEFFA members. Learn From Each Other--OEFFA members are an invaluable source of practical knowledge and experience. OEFFA's Farmer Information Network connects individuals with production and marketing questions with experienced farmers who have the answers. OEFFA's Seasonal Farm Job listings link job seekers with host farms.

June must be the month of dairy because we have another farm tour happening on Saturday, June 13! 🐄🌾Paul and Fannie Mae ...
05/30/2026

June must be the month of dairy because we have another farm tour happening on Saturday, June 13! 🐄🌾

Paul and Fannie Mae Miller run an organic dairy just south of Wooster, Ohio. This Farmer-to-Farmer Pasture Walk will highlight their management and grazing systems, and serve as a gathering for grass farmers, aspiring graziers, and dairy farmers. See an exemplary organic dairy farm up close and join a discussion on organic dairying and grazing in Ohio.

We're hosting another dairy-focused tour at Grim Dairy on Saturday, June 6. Learn more about both of these tours and register for free at oeffa.org/farmtours 🌱

We're hiring! Our team is looking for a certification specialist for our organic certification program. This role collab...
05/29/2026

We're hiring! Our team is looking for a certification specialist for our organic certification program. This role collaborates with colleagues and clients to conduct in-depth reviews of applications for organic certification.

Learn more and apply by June 4 at oeffa.org/employment 🌱

In case you're looking for more farm tours to add to your calendar, oh boy do we have the lineup for you 🤠🌱Our friends a...
05/26/2026

In case you're looking for more farm tours to add to your calendar, oh boy do we have the lineup for you 🤠🌱

Our friends at Common Greens, FairShare CSA Coalition, and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio are hosting these events this summer and fall. Learn more about each of these, plus OEFFA's own tours, at oeffa.org/farmtours!

05/22/2026

Here's a peek into this week's Soil Health Advocacy Day!

Advocates came from near and far to meet with their Ohio Senators and Representatives and share the importance of healthy soil.

Stay tuned for more about the day and the impact it had!

We have our first farm tour of 2026 coming up soon! 🤩📣We'll be headed up to Grim Dairy in northern Ohio for this Grazing...
05/21/2026

We have our first farm tour of 2026 coming up soon! 🤩📣

We'll be headed up to Grim Dairy in northern Ohio for this Grazing Innovations and Opportunities Farm Tour on Saturday, June 6. Eric Grim will be sharing real, on-the-ground insights from improving grazing practices and infrastructure on his farm. He’ll also walk through how he uses the Pasture.io management system to track cow and forage data. Together, we'll discuss opportunities in the dairy industry, like Dairy Grazing Alliance's Dairy Grazing Apprentice program.

Whether you’ve been in dairy for years or are just getting started, this tour is a great chance to connect, swap ideas, and learn something new.

Learn more and register for free at oeffa.org/farmtours 🌱

Spring is a season of immense possibility. All around us, and despite opposition from extreme weather, we see vibrant co...
05/18/2026

Spring is a season of immense possibility. All around us, and despite opposition from extreme weather, we see vibrant colors take hold of fields. In the face of adversity, we see the results of determination, conserving resources, and careful planning. Farming reminds us of our capacity for resilience.

Just like in farming, OEFFA is changing and adapting to meet the times. In the last year, OEFFA recruited new members, donors, advocates, and certification clients who brought us new ideas and energy, while we maintained our almost 50-year commitment to the health of our land, equitable agriculture policy, and connection to community. You can view our whole 2025 Impact Report at oeffa.org/impact 🌱

You are why OEFFA has been able to withstand ongoing challenges and support our food and farm community. Your gift today at oeffa.org/donate helps us continue this good work. Thank you for partnering with OEFFA in this mission!

Farmers give so much. They’re the bedrock of many of our communities and on the front lines of changes that impact us al...
05/14/2026

Farmers give so much. They’re the bedrock of many of our communities and on the front lines of changes that impact us all.

Many producers navigate challenges like extreme weather events, trade disruptions, market fluctuations, difficult management decisions, trying working conditions, and isolation. These can all take a toll on mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but reducing the stigma and supporting the mental well-being of our agricultural neighbors should be a year-round focus.

Visit news.oeffa.org for ag-specific mental health resources. Healthy communities start with healthy farmers, and you don't have to weather the storm alone 🤍

Ohio FarmLink success story:April Pandora is the owner and farmer at Eden Urban Gardens LLC, a USDA Certified Organic ur...
05/12/2026

Ohio FarmLink success story:

April Pandora is the owner and farmer at Eden Urban Gardens LLC, a USDA Certified Organic urban farm in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jason Pratt was instrumental in the farm transition process for his family's 8.3-acre farm, Indian Springs Berry Farm

Both posted listings on Ohio FarmLink and, after a 15-month process, April is now in a 3-year lease-purchase contract with Jason's mother! While the farm is no longer an operational u-pick berry farm, April will do u-pick veggies and eventually add in blackberries and onsite sales.

If you're a farmer looking for land or a land owner looking for a farmer, check out Ohio FarmLink today at ohiofarmlink.org.

At the  OEFFA Members' Meeting in February and in the OEFFA Board Meeting in April, we welcomed three new Board members:...
05/09/2026

At the OEFFA Members' Meeting in February and in the OEFFA Board Meeting in April, we welcomed three new Board members:

Sophia L. Buggs, AKA Lady Buggs, is the owner and operator of Lady Buggs Pharm, a small-scale growing space that hosts native plants, fruit trees, and educational garden experiences located on the South Side of Youngstown, Ohio. She also serves as the executive director of Plant It You and is the director of the Mahoning Food Access Initiative with Healthy Community Partnership. Soil health, food sovereignty, and climate readiness are three of many focus areas in her regenerative agriculture advocacy.

Mike Kelley is a dedicated farmer and small business owner with a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture, local food systems, and healthy rural communities. Based in Highland County, Mike operates a diversified farm focused on raw milk, pasture raised hogs, and sustainable forestry. His work and thought are rooted in the values of stewardship, place, and connection. Drawing inspiration from Wendell Berry’s writings, Mike came to farming as both vocation and civic responsibility.

Cristi Riley is a retired pediatric ICU nurse with more than 25 years of experience caring for children and supporting families through life’s most critical moments. Today, she is an entrepreneur and creative at heart, building ventures rooted in thoughtful design, meaningful experiences, and a deep love for quality, locally sourced food. Her passion for her family, Mother Earth and regenerative food systems drives her work, with a focus on reconnecting people to where their food comes from and supporting sustainable, community-based agriculture.

Welcome to the OEFFA Board, Sophia, Mike, and Cristi! 🌱

We're hiring! Our team is looking for an administrative coordinator for our organic certification program. This role pro...
05/06/2026

We're hiring! Our team is looking for an administrative coordinator for our organic certification program. This role provides oversight and leadership to a team of administrative staff that provides integral functions to our certification program and clients.

Learn more and apply by May 11 at oeffa.org/employment 🌱

Address

150 E Wilson Bridge Road Suite 230
Worthington, OH
43085

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16144212022

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