Common Ground Virtual Film Screening
2024-11-16 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Join OEFFA Policy in celebrating the first annual Ohio Soil Health Week with a virtual screening of Common Ground. This 2023 film is a companion to Kiss the Ground, which was released in 2020. Common Ground explores regenerative agriculture and its potential to heal our soil, communities, and planet. After the film, we’ll have some time for sharing thoughts and ideas.
Register for free here.

Farmer Help Shop
2024-11-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
OEFFA’s team of educators is available to assist farmers at any stage of their journey. Whether you are making the switch to organic, are already certified, or have questions about sustainable agriculture practices, OEFFA can share guidance and support. Drop in virtually each month to talk to sustainable agriculture educators with your queries and questions.
Click the link below to register and receive the Zoom meeting link.

Ohio Proud Food Summit
2024-11-21 11:00 - 13:00 | The Department of Agriculture, Bromfield Building Auditorium, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 43068, United States
Looking for something new, made by food and agricultural producers, to add to your menu, grocery store, or specialty retail space? If so, the Ohio Department of Agriculture invites you to attend the Ohio Proud Food Summit event on Thursday November 21, 2024, from 11am-1pm.
The Ohio Proud Food Summit features Ohio Proud partners and their locally made products and is FREE to attend!
Join us in meeting local businesses and sampling Ohio made products that include snack foods, baked goods, condiments, specialty sauces, bath and body care– and more! Please complete the attached form and submit your RSVP to Ashley.McDonald@agri.ohio.gov by Thursday, November 14, 2024.
REGISTRATION FORM

Greener Pastures: Film Screening & Discussion with MVEG
2024-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
Running a family farm is hard enough. Add in climate change, a worldwide pandemic, and the increasing economic uncertainty brought on by megafarms, and it’s easy to see that being an independent farmer in America is a profession of survival. Following four Midwest family farms over several years, the documentary Greener Pastures is a story of perseverance within the farming industry in the heartland.
Join FairShare CSA Coalition live to watch the 90-minute documentary, hosted by the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network, and then stick around for conversation with two of the farmers featured in the documentary: Chris Petersen, from Iowa, and Jeff Ditzenberger, from Wisconsin. We’ll have lightly facilitated discussion with an opportunity for open Q&A. View educational resources related to the film here.
This event is brought to you by FairShare CSA Coalition and the MVEG Network’s working group on Farmer Resiliency & Mental Health. Find our support resources here.
Register for free here.

Ohio Organic Farmer Research Network Meeting
2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Help OOFRN consider a farmer-led working group model to develop projects and proposals in the future. We will discuss ways to build this structure and also share feedback on specific research ideas to move forward. Active network participants are encouraged to provide feedback, specific ideas, or general suggestions. We’re open to new participants as well. If you know someone with an interest in organic research, please invite. No experience needed, just interest!
Past OOFRN meeting session topics and YouTube links are posted at offer.osu.edu/oofrn-events.

OEFFA Grain Growers Chapter Meeting
2024-12-06 09:45 - 13:15 | Wildcat Cafe, 300 S Buffalo St, Vanlue, 45890, United States
The OEFFA Grain Growers Chapter will meet on Friday, December 6 from 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at the Wildcat Cafe in Vanlue. They have a decent menu and are reasonably priced. Everyone is responsible for their own lunch (and tip).
RSVP to Bridget by email (grain.growers.oeffa@gmail.com) or text your RSVP including name to (419) 491-4436.

2025 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference
2025-01-09 - 2025-01-10 | Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, 44870, United States
The 3rd annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference will be January 9-10, 2025 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. This event is managed by Ohio State University Extension and the OFFER program. Attendance for 2024 exceeded 240, and included farmers, suppliers, researchers, and educators from Ohio, Indiana, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and beyond. Whether you’re a long-time organic grain grower or looking to learn how to incorporate more organic approaches in your operation, you will find useful information and networking opportunities at this event.
Click the link below to learn more and register.

OEFFA Lake Effect Chapter Meeting
2025-01-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Morley Library meeting room B, 184 Phelps Street, Painesville, 44077, United States
Join OEFFA’s Lake Effect Chapter for a potluck and presentation! Watch an educational and inspiring slideshow from a past OEFFA Conference workshop that dives into the soil web of life, powerfully reinforcing your reasons for striving to grow and eat organic.
The presentation is about 45 minutes long, so there will hopefully be time to share thoughts and socialize as well. Please bring a dish to share (or just some organic chips or fruit!) along with a plate and utensils to the potluck.

Ohio State Soil Health Webinars 2025
2025-01-16 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Zoom
In this monthly series, farmers, industry, and academic experts will weigh in on practical steps to improve soil health and measure impact on crop yield and farm profitability. Please plan to join us for all four sessions!
Topics and Speakers:

January 16: Zooming into soil health via a producer, an educator, and a researcher lens
February 13: Understanding the basics and practicalities of biologicals
March 20: Comparisons of soil health tests and what they are telling us?
April 10: Soil health in the urban sphere

You can choose to attend one or more of the webinars. All of them will be recorded for later viewing. The link for the recording will be shared with registrants via email when it becomes available.

MOFFA 2025 Organic Intensives
2025-01-18 | Michigan State University, Plant & Soil Sciences Building, MI, United States
MOFFA’s Organic Intensives is a one-day conference that offers in-depth knowledge that can be immediately applied, empowering YOU to make a real difference when it comes to organic, ecological, and regenerative farming and gardening practices.
Attendees can expect to learn about:

Korean Natural Farming
Climate Smart Farming
Creative Marketing Practices

Click the link below to learn more.

OEFFA Policy Film Screening Series: Feeding Tomorrow
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, 45387, United States
Feeding Tomorrow is a 2024 documentary showcasing a group of visionary leaders in agriculture, healthcare, and education working toward more regenerative, resilient, and just local food systems. The film will get us to think differently about what we eat, and feel inspired to take action.
Join OEFFA Policy and Hall Hunger Initiative as we explore the many facets of our food and farming systems and hear the stories of those most intimately connected to climate problems and solutions. After some of the films, there will opportunities to keep the ideas and conversations flowing about how we can work together for policy change.
Registration is required, but the screenings are free and open to the public.
Closed captioning will be offered. Please contact us for additional accommodations and support.

Food as Medicine Mini Conference
2025-01-22 09:00 - 13:00 | 1819 Innovation Hub – University of Cincinnati, 2900 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, 45206, United States
The Urban Farming Initiative invites you to the Food as Medicine Mini Conference, a game-changing event that’s all about empowering Cincinnatians to take control of their health by understanding what happens to their bodies and minds based on the food they are eating.
Date: January 22, 2024
Location: University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub
Audience: Any person or organization interested in gaining confidence about their food choices in their local food economy.
Mini-Conference Agenda
9:00am – 10:00am: Networking with Local Coffee & Breakfast Businesses.
10:00am – 10:15am – Opening and welcome with Kevin Mackey, Co-founder of the Urban Farming Initiative, and Hannah Griswold, Food As Medicine Director at La Soupe.
10:15am – 10:45am – Keynote presentation with UC Health Food As Medicine researcher, Dylan Steen, M.D., M.S., who will be discussing his SuperWIN study conducted with Kroger.
10:45am – 11:15am – Food As Medicine social trends, courtesy of social trend startup Nichefire (Abby Zennie) and UC Next Innovation Scholar (NIS) students.
11:15am – 11:45am – Audience-based Q&A with a panel of diverse experts ranging from cardiologists, food executives, food entrepreneurs, community leaders, nutritionists, chefs, and others you can ask about how the food you consume impacts your body. Panelists include:

Councilwoman Anna Albi – Cincinnati City Council; Champion for Food As Medicine programs.
Dr. Florence Rothenberg: Cardiologist, Founder of Heart of Northside
Frank Sawyer, MHA – Senior Vice President of Operations, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital
Katie Jesurun – Chef, Goosefoot Cook and Grow
Laura Brown, MS, RDN, LDN – Director of Nutrition at Kroger
Meghan Henshaw – Founder of Ocotillo Herbals; Food As Medicine educator.
Radha Lakshmi – Chef, Storyteller, Artist

11:45 – 12:00pm – Showcase of local food and nutrition businesses giving quick 3 minute pitches about who they are and how they can benefit your health.
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Networking with Local Lunch & Food Products Businesses

Visiting Artist Talk: Ruth Burke
2025-01-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Hopkins Hall Room 358, 128 N Noval Mall, Columbus, 43210, United States
The Living Art and Ecology Lab at The Ohio State University invites the general public to a visiting artist talk about work intersection of art and agriculture on Wednesday, January 29 from 4-5 p.m.
Ruth Burke is an interdisciplinary artist whose socially engaged practice straddles the fields of contemporary art, human-animal studies, and agriculture. Burke’s work has focused on collaborating with animals since 2015, and her current focus is a series of large-scale native plant earthworks powered by animal traction. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Video Art in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, School of Art. She also runs DAP STUDIOS LLC, an art-and-agriculture business for hire on public artworks and small scale agricultural or garden projects.

Farmers and Farmers Markets Gathering at Mid-Ohio Farm
2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop, 140 N Wheatland Ave, Columbus, 43223, United States
The aim of this gathering is for farmers and farmers market managers/participants to gather and share experiences related to the challenges and opportunities serving central Ohio communities. We will be joined by eco-activist farmer and civil rights activist Jim Embry, who will offer his own experiences speaking with folks throughout the country.
This event will take place at Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop on Tuesday, February 11th, from 6-7:30 p.m. This is a free event, and refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP using this form. RSVPs will be accepted in the order they are received until the event reaches capacity.

Keynote Lecture on Hip Hop and Agriculture
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:30 | The Hale Center, 154 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, 43210, United States
Join Ohio State, Slow Food Columbus, and OSU campus and community partners for Jim Embry’s keynote lecture on hip hop and agriculture. Jim Embry is a lifelong civil rights activist, farmer, eco-activist, educator, social justice advocate, and public speaker.
Participants are able to join in two ways: in person at 132 Hale Hall (MLK Lounge) and online.
For in-person attendance, please use this RSVP form.
To receive the Zoom link, please register here.

2025 OEFFA Conference
2025-02-13 - 2025-02-15 | Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center, 2299 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, 43055, United States
The 46th annual OEFFA conference will take place February 13-15, 2025 in Newark, Ohio. This celebrated conference welcomes hundreds of farmers, gardeners, and food supporters to learn, shop, and connect at Ohio’s largest sustainable agriculture conference. From backyard gardening to pasture management to food policy, this 3-day event covers diverse themes in organic and sustainable agriculture. Registrants enjoy dozens of workshops, hands-on demonstrations, locally-sourced meals, an exhibit hall of shops and information, and much more.
Learn more at conference.oeffa.org.

OEFFA Policy Film Screening Series: Organic Rising
2025-02-14 19:30 - 22:00 | Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center, 2299 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, 43055, United States
Organic Rising is a solutions-focused film that explores the two predominant agricultural practices in the US: conventional and organic. It works to demystify the USDA organic regulatory process and help consumers navigate America’s foodscape, while making better choices for human health and the planet.
Join OEFFA Policy as we explore the many facets of our food and farming systems and hear the stories of those most intimately connected to climate problems and solutions. This film will be shown at the 2025 OEFFA Conference (conference registration not required).
Registration for the film is required, but the screenings are free and open to the public.
Closed captioning will be offered. Please contact us for additional accommodations and support.

Soil Science Seminar Talks - Carbon Credits
2025-02-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Kottman Hall, Room 333, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, 43210, United States
You’re invited to join upcoming talks, discussions, and a workshop hosted by the Soil Science Seminar and the Soil Water and Environmental Laboratory (SWEL). Each event in the series can be attended virtually (on Zoom) or in person.
If you’d like an Outlook calendar invite to the series, reach out to bean.21@osu.edu.
On February 26, join them for a discussion on carbon credits. They will have Dr. Brent Sohngen (Natural Resource & Environmental Economics) share his perspectives.
When: Feb. 26
Time: 4 to 5 pm
Location: Room 333, Kottman Hall or via Zoom
Zoom Link: https://osu.zoom.us/j/92264076271?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 922 6407 6271
Password: [REDACTED]

Organic Seed Usage Listening Session
2025-03-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) requires the use of organic seed unless the seeds farmers need, including equivalent varieties, aren’t commercially available. The purpose of the current organic seed exemption is to provide a transition time for the seed industry to catch up to demand and to allow organic growers to find suitable varieties to transition to, with the goal of eventually achieving 100 percent organic seed sourcing. The allowance for non-organic seed is important for growers who lack access to appropriate organic seed for their operations. While it is no one’s intention to force organic growers to use organic seed that may not be optimal for their operations, continuous improvement in organic seed sourcing is essential to incentivizing growth in the organic seed supply and strengthening organic integrity.
Certified organic producers are invited to share their thoughts in this listening session – producers’ firsthand experience is key to shaping practical policies. Farmers face real challenges in sourcing organic seed, and their input helps ensure policies support continuous improvement while remaining flexible for growers. This dialogue will guide advocacy for balanced solutions that strengthen organic integrity and the seed supply.
Discussions from this listening session will help inform work with the National Organic Program (NOP) and National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on continuous improvement of organic seed usage. Register by March 3 at the link below.

16th Ohio Farmers Market Conference
2025-03-06 08:00 - 2025-03-07 17:00 | Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, 43068, United States
The Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN) will host their 16th Ohio Farmers Market Conference, We’re All Keynote Speakers: Celebrating the Value in All of Us on March 6 and 7, 2025, at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
All attendees will have the opportunity to be a keynote speaker by sharing their experiences with guests of the conference. In addition, OFMN has added a “Show & Tell” activity where attendees may showcase their best methods for market operations such as token management and advertising posters. More information can be found on their website, www.ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.
This year’s conference will include workshops, presentations and panel discussions designed to improve and enhance Ohio’s farmers markets. Topics for discussion include:

Grant writing
Farmers market survey and customer experience report
Marketing
Emergency planning
Market layout and design
Community engagement
Food safety
Labeling
Volunteer management
Food assistance and nutrition incentive programs
Nutrition Incentives

In addition to the educational opportunities, the conference will host a series of networking and selfcare activities including:

Show & Tell
Office-style yoga
Conference “after hours”
Attendee bingo
Networking dinner

Will you join us? We hope so! Our planning committee and our partners are working hard to bring you an exceptional conference unlike all others we’ve hosted. If you are interested in attending and/or sponsoring the conference, please contact the Ohio Farmers Market Network at hello@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org. In the meantime, reserve your seat at the table by clicking here to register.
Registration is $150 per person and includes all presentation materials, lunch, beverages and snacks. If you are a member of the Ohio Farmers Market Network, you have received a discount code to save $25 per person on registration.

Soil Science Seminar Talks - PFAS
2025-03-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Kottman Hall, Room 333, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, 43210, United States
You’re invited to join upcoming talks, discussions, and a workshop hosted by the Soil Science Seminar and the Soil Water and Environmental Laboratory (SWEL). Each event in the series can be attended virtually (on Zoom) or in person.
If you’d like an Outlook calendar invite to the series, reach out to bean.21@osu.edu.
On March 19, join them for an insightful discussion on PFAS with Dr. Nick Basta, Professor of Soil and Environmental Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Science Graduate Program. They will discuss:
1.) recently released EPA regulations on PFAS,
2.) PFAS transportation in the soil and food systems,
3.) risk assessment of PFAS and the potential impact on human consumption.
When: Mar. 19
Time: 4 to 5 pm
Location: Room 333, Kottman Hall or via Zoom
Zoom Link: https://osu.zoom.us/j/92264076271?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 922 6407 6271
Password: [REDACTED]

OEFFA Policy Film Screening Series: Farming While Black
2025-03-23 14:00 - 16:00 | The Nightlight, 30 N Hight St, Akron, 44308, United States
In 1910, Black farmers owned 14% of American farmland. Now, that number is below 2%. Featuring Soul Fire Farm co-founder Leah Penniman, Farming While Black examines the historical plight of America’s Black farmers and the generation reclaiming land and reconnecting with with their agricultural roots.
Join OEFFA Policy and National Young Farmers Coalition as we explore the many facets of our food and farming systems and hear the stories of those most intimately connected to climate problems and solutions. After some of the films, there will opportunities to keep the ideas and conversations flowing about how we can work together for policy change.
Registration is required, but the screenings are free and open to the public.
Closed captioning will be offered. Please contact us for additional accommodations and support.

MVEG Farm Stress Management Cohort: Session One
2025-03-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom
Join the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network (MVEG) and fellow vegetable farmers who will explore together how to integrate stress management practices into their unique farming operations. All sessions are held virtually from 7:30-9 p.m. ET.
March 24 – Identifying and De-Mystifying Stress – What is stress and how does it manifest? Sharing stress stories: how do you recall stress affecting your farm operation? Do you have any wisdom from that experience to share? In this session we will identify how and when shows up for us throughout the season, and see what we have learned from those experiences.
Register for free here.

Supporting Your Farm Employees with Physical and Mental Disabilities: Legal Obligations for Injuries and Disabilities on the Farm
2025-03-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Do you supervise or manage employees on the farm or ranch? Do you have questions about how to support your employees with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities?
Gain practical solutions to common legal and regulatory questions with this free 90-minute webinar.
The law prohibits discriminating against people with disabilities, and this webinar is designed to help you understand how to support your employees and strengthen your management skills. Bring your questions and your wisdom and gain:

Practical Legal Insight: Explore your legal responsibilities to your employees with physical, mental, or cognitive limitations and learn about ways to support employees with disabilities through hiring and firing;
Applicable Examples: Learn from farmer stories and examples, and discuss creative ways to accommodate employees;
Proactive Action Steps: Explore how to protect your business with employment policies and insurance;
Peer Learning and Q&A: Get solutions to your burning legal questions and exchange ideas with peers.

Learn more and register at the link below.

Soil Science Seminar Talks - Two-hour R Workshop
2025-03-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Kottman Hall, Room 333, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, 43210, United States
You’re invited to join upcoming talks, discussions, and a workshop hosted by the Soil Science Seminar and the Soil Water and Environmental Laboratory (SWEL). Each event in the series can be attended virtually (on Zoom) or in person.
If you’d like an Outlook calendar invite to the series, reach out to bean.21@osu.edu.
On March 26, join them for a 2-hour R Workshop led by Dr. Simon Power, Visiting Professor of Restoration Ecology. This hands-on session will provide essential skills for data analysis and visualization in R, tailored for environmental and ecological applications.
When: Mar. 26
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Location: Room 333, Kottman Hall or via Zoom
Zoom Link: https://osu.zoom.us/j/92264076271?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 922 6407 6271
Password: [REDACTED]
