It matters to the small family farmers and organic growers who are the frontlines of our local food movement. And it matters to the consumers who are demanding access to safe, local, and sustainably-raised food because they care about the health of their families, their communities, and the environment.

Unfortunately, the livelihood and viability of sustainable and organic farmers and family farms—and the consumers who count on them—are constantly under threat from policies which tilt the playing field in favor of large-scale, corporate-controlled, industrial agriculture.

OEFFA works to counter the special interest influence that large commodity groups and factory farms have over our decision-makers, give voice to the needs of small- and mid-sized producers, and demand that policies work in the interest of the family farmers who enhance our rural communities and safeguard the environment.

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 victory for consumer choice and transparency when the ODA agreed to withdraw the rule.

The toxic algae problems at Lake Erie, Grand Lake St. Mary’s, and a growing number of the state’s other lakes are being caused by manure and phosphorus fertilizers washing off conventional farm fields and into our waterways. OEFFA is working to transition more farmers to sustainable and organic production methods so that we can protect Ohio’s lakes for future generations.