In 2010, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a series of advisories and warnings about a toxic algae bloom in Grand Lake St. Mary, Ohio’s largest inland lake.

In addition to Planktothrix, a type of algae identified in 2009, sampling confirmed an additional species, called Aphanizomenon gracile. Both are Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which are capable of producing a variety of toxins. The Ohio EPA advised people to avoid contact with lake water, including swimming and boating, refrain from consuming fish from the lake or using its water for irrigation, and to keep pets away from the water. As the summer has progressed, over one dozen additional lakes, including Lake Erie, have been added to the advisory.

The toxic algae problems at the state’s lakes are a good example of the environmental impacts of conventional agricultural practices. Manure and phosphorus fertilizers that wash off farm fields and into waterways are the most significant sources of the "blooms" of toxic algae. When these nutrients escape where they are meant to be (farm fields) and end up in the water, they provide an ideal medium for the growth of toxic algae.

Organic and sustainable growers use practices that protect soil, air, and water resources. Every crop needs phosphorus to thrive, but organic growers use natural forms of phosphorus, manure management practices, and planting patterns (such as cover crops) that reduce runoff from fields, protecting our precious water resources from becoming toxic cesspools.

In addition to providing educational workshops, organic certification services, and direct assistance and support to organic farmers and help all farmers reduce their use of chemicals, OEFFA also works to advocate for state and federal policy that helps provide support for sustainable agriculture, including:

• The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP): The cost share program makes financial assistance available to help defray the costs of organic certification for producers and handlers of organic products. Authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill and administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, OEFFA is working to make sure this funding is reauthorized in the 2012 Farm Bill.
• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program: Since 1988, SARE has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program.
• The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA): ATTRA provides information and other technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture.
• The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): The CSP is a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to undertake additional conservation activities on-farm, thus rewarding farmers for improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.
• The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP): The EQIP Organic Initiative is designed to assist producers with implementation of conservation practices. Beginning in 2010, Ohio farmers were eligible to receive up to 75% of the cost of construction of a new high tunnel or hoop house. Certified organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production will receive $50 million in federal funds this year to help them implement conservation practices on their farms. In Ohio alone, $840,000 is earmarked for organic and transitioning farmers. An additional $300,000 is earmarked for Ohio specialty crop producers.

These programs are vitally important to help more farmers transition to sustainable and organic production methods so that we can protect Ohio’s lakes for future generations.

Donate — OEFFA is working to ensure that our tax dollars support farmers who want to be good stewards. Make a donation now to help OEFFA fight for policies that support farmers wanting to transition to sustainable and organic production methods.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has deregulated genetically engineered (GE) corn, soybean, cotton, sugar beets, and alfalfa, opening the door for tens of thousands of acres to be planted with these crops. Once released into the environment, GE seed can contaminate non-GE and organic seed. Despite this, Monsanto zealously enforces its patents, investigating and suing farmers for patent infringement when their crop is contaminated. OEFFA is working to ensure legal protection for farmers if their fields become contaminated by Monsanto’s GE seed, and protect consumer choice to safe, healthy food.

While ensuring a clean, safe food supply for consumers is paramount, new food safety regulations could have the effect of squeezing out small farms by creating new layers of bureaucracy for Ohio’s small farmers. With so much on the line, OEFFA is working to demand policies that work in the interest of the small- and mid-sized family farmers who produce some of the country’s safest, freshest, and healthiest food.

Big Ag spent $4 million campaigning for a Livestock Care Standards Board with the authority to regulate all livestock producers in the state. OEFFA is working to make sure that animal care standards protect diversified livestock producers and backyard farmers.

In 2008, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) placed a gag order on the free speech of dairies and processors by issuing a rule to prohibit labeling dairy products as “artificial hormone free.” Since then, OEFFA worked to overturn this controversial and restrictive dairy labeling rule and in 2011 won a major victory for consumer choice and transparency when the ODA agreed to withdraw the rule.