The Food and Farm Movement
Friday
Workshop Session I: 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Here’s How to Impact Organic Rules
Steve Ela, National Organic Coalition
The National Organic Standards Board and National Organic Program are responsible for maintaining and improving organic standards. There are many ways to engage and influence this process, and it is important that the Board hear practical concerns from producers. Walk through how rules are made, how they apply to your farm, and where your voice can make a difference.
Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon
Solar / Agrivoltaics Roundtable
Matt Kleinhenz, OSU, Katie Carothers, Old Slate Farm, Jeff Dean, Timberlane Farms
Hear from multiple voices in this conversation about the contentious issue of agrivoltaics, the practice of integrating agriculture and solar panels on farmland, and how it can impact agricultural land in Ohio. These varied perspectives will explore this polarizing topic, as Ohio balances both preserving farmland and expanding renewable energy production.
Workshop Session III: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Farmer Voices in D.C.
Dave Shively, Shively Farm, Alexis Dragovich, Mud Run Organic Farm, Sophia Buggs, Lady Buggs Pharm, Lauren Hirtle, OEFFA
Are Ohio agricultural voices actually impactful on Capitol Hill? Farmer voices are central to OEFFA’s advocacy work, and amplifying their stories is essential to shaping policies that support healthy agricultural communities and economies. Hear directly from OEFFA member-leaders as they share their experiences advocating in D.C.
Workshop Session IV: 3-4:15 p.m
Influencing Federal Food and Farm Policy
Stef Funk, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Congress is working on a new farm bill, which means we have a window of opportunity to influence food and farm policy for the next five years. Learn to leverage local experience for national impact in this interactive workshop, gaining the knowledge of how to gauge your elected officials’ priorities, how to craft a compelling narrative, and how to advocate for climate-friendly, socially-just farm policy.
Saturday
Workshop Session V: 10:45-Noon
The Fight for Fair Markets
Patty Lovera, Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment
Just a handful of companies control the markets in every sector of agriculture, creating big obstacles for those working to rebuild regional food systems, create dignified, safe, and fair conditions for farmers and workers, and protect public health. Learn more about how extreme levels of consolidation impact the food system, including organic agriculture, and opportunities to level the playing field.
Workshop Session VI: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Farm Bill: What We Know and Where We’re Going
Patty Lovera, Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment, Stef Funk, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Steve Ela, National Organic Coalition, Milo Petruziello, OEFFA
Food and farm experts from around the country will discuss the status and the future of the impactful farm bill. Delve into the current landscape of upcoming federal legislation and review what new Ohio members of the 119th Congress can do to support our mission.
Workshop Session VII: 3-4:15 p.m.
Drought and Our Way Out
Robert Hamilton, Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Soil & Water Conservation, Aaron Wilson, OSU, Matt Kleski and Trevor Kerr, Farm Service Agency
Ohio experienced the most severe drought in decades in 2024. Farmers and growers experienced crop and livestock losses in the face of natural disaster declarations, often unsure how to access support and resources from governmental programs. Learn how federal and state policies can help us be more resilient, and how to better understand the climate and its effects on our agriculture industry.

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
NEW ADDRESS
150 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Suite 230
Worthington, OH 43085
OEFFA: (614) 421-2022 (614) 421-2022
OEFFA Certification: (614) 262-2022 (614) 262-2022