The inaugural Ohio Soil Health Week, which kicks off on Sunday, Nov. 10 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 16, is being celebrated by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA), members of its Ohio Soil Health Initiative (OSHI), and their partners.
The statewide celebration honors and raises awareness about the importance of Ohio’s soils and those who steward them. It will include outreach, education opportunities, and events to elevate the natural resource.
“This week brings awareness to the hard work and achievements of individuals around Ohio and their contributions to Ohio’s soil health,” Ohio state Sen. Tim Schaffer said. “Celebration of that work will be every second full week in November, in honor of David Brandt, the ‘Godfather of soil health’ and Fairfield County farmer. David Brandt dedicated his time, talent, and knowledge to soil health and encouraged many others to do the same.”
The official designation of Ohio Soil Health Week has been introduced as an amendment to House Bill 162 and is sponsored by Schaffer, a Republican. This follows years of advocacy by OEFFA and OSHI to advance soil health legislation in the Ohio General Assembly, drawing inspiration from other states that have received support from their elected officials in commemorating soil’s importance with officially designated celebrations.
"OEFFA is excited to celebrate the first Ohio Soil Health Week this November. While continuing to collect stories, uplift advocates, and support people to adopt good soil health practices across the state, OEFFA and OSHI hope to see soil health legislation passed in the Ohio General Assembly," OEFFA event organizers said.
The late Brandt influenced many farmers, gardeners, researchers, and activists featured in OEFFA’s Soil Stories video series. “I wouldn’t be farming the way I am today if I hadn’t met David Brandt. Dave is a legend. He’s touched every farmer who took the time to talk to him,” said Henry Peller, OSHI member and owner of Rose Hill Farm.
With a PhD in soil science from The Ohio State University, Peller acknowledges that soil health is the foundation for any farm’s success. “Farming’s just going to get harder, and you layer on top of that climate change. Our only pathway is to have healthy, resilient ecosystems to soften the blow,” he said.
In addition to the launch of the Soil Stories videos, many events have been lined up across the state to celebrate Ohio Soil Health.
Some of those events include a soil health demonstration in Champaign County, along with a farm tour in Brown County on Nov. 10.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, The Ohio State University Environmental Professionals Network will hold a breakfast in Franklin County, among other events.
"Those Who Feed Us: An Art Exhibition Celebrating Soils" takes place in Franklin County on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, there will be a Soil Health Rally in Athens County.
The week will end with a Healthy Soil Festival and a BYO Bucket Cincinnati Compost Sale in Hamilton County on Saturday, Nov. 16.
“Soil health matters to all of us and impacts all aspects of our lives, including our food, environment, communities, and health,” said OEFFA Grassroots Policy Organizer Lauren Hirtle. “Healthy soils are even more important during the hard times we’ve been experiencing throughout Ohio—whether it’s the drought of this summer and fall, the wet spring of 2019, or any extreme weather event in between. Healthy soils are the key to resiliency in the face of the many threats our farmers confront every day.”
