Ohio's H2Ohio program expands statewide for water quality

Ohio's Department of Agriculture is making a significant splash by expanding its H2Ohio program. Originating in 2019 within the Western Lake Erie Basin, this initiative is now extending its reach to encompass farmers from across the entire state, commencing in 2024.

H2Ohio stands as a collaborative effort between Ohio's Department of Agriculture, the Ohio EPA, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This long-term endeavor seeks to enhance water quality, a vital response to the harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie, stemming from fertilizer runoff in farming areas.

Backed by an investment of $270 million in the 2024-2025 biennium budget from the Ohio General Assembly, this program offers financial incentives to farmers who voluntarily enroll their land and implement best management practices. These practices encompass nutrient management plans, the cultivation of cover crops (such as radishes, clover, or legumes), which enrich the soil naturally and deter erosion, and acquiring specialized equipment.

Ty Higgins, Senior Director of Communications at the Ohio Farm Bureau, emphasizes the significance of this support for farmers. Implementing these practices independently can be financially daunting, with costs often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. H2Ohio's funding not only assists with equipment expenses but also guides farmers in optimizing their existing processes to retain nutrients on their farms.

Tracy Intihar, Assistant Director at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, points to the measurable success achieved since the program's launch. The value of nutrient management plans and these practices in curbing nutrient runoff is clear. Water is crucial for all, and this initiative ensures its sustainability for thriving communities.

To date, over 1.5 million farm acres have been enrolled in the program, leading to a substantial reduction of over 300,000 pounds of phosphorus runoff into watersheds. Enrollment for farmers outside the Western Lake Erie Basin will open in early 2024, though availability is limited to a total of 500,000 new acres statewide.

Join Ohio's H2Ohio program to preserve water quality, foster agricultural sustainability, and combat algal blooms for a healthier environment.

Photo Credit: H2Ohio