Resolution Text
OH HB65 (2025) Soil Health Week Resolution amendment (Passed)
The second full week of November is designated "Ohio Soil Health Week," to celebrate and raise awareness for the importance of soil health to Ohio agriculture and in honor of
the birthday of soil pioneer and advocate David Brandt.
Website and Promotional Materials
OEFFA and OSHI are building out dedicated promotional materials, with events, outreach resources, and partner highlights. The official week will be anchored in November and feature both cultural celebration and farmer-led advocacy for state-level soil health investment.
Ohio Soil Health Week - Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
History of Implementation
- 2023: OEFFA, with OSHI and support from a National Network mini-grant, began groundwork for an Ohio Soil Health Week campaign.
- 2024: OEFFA hosted the inaugural Ohio Soil Health Week during the second full week of November. This independent effort featured 19 events, 25 partner organizations, and more than 700 participants, establishing broad momentum before passage of the official law.
- 2024 Legislative Attempt: HB162 passed both chambers but stalled in lame duck.
- 2025: HB65 was introduced, advanced swiftly through both chambers, and was signed into law by Governor DeWine on July 1, 2025, officially designating Ohio Soil Health Week.
The campaign’s success was driven by grassroots organizing, farmer advocacy, and coalition-building. Soil Health Advocacy Day, the first Soil Health Luncheon, and direct farmer–legislator engagement were pivotal in building bipartisan support.
Key Elements to Observe about Ohio’s Soil Health Week
- Farmer Leadership: Farmers were the central advocates and storytellers, meeting directly with legislators.
- Broad Coalition: OEFFA and OSHI convened a diverse set of agricultural and conservation partners.
- Bipartisan Strategy: Advocacy framed soil health as a unifying, nonpartisan issue.