The Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI) has witnessed significant progress with over 2,000 farmers in northwest Ohio participating in their certification program since its launch in early 2020. The program aims to enhance on-farm nutrient management for better water quality.
OACI's primary objective is to encourage wider adoption of best management practices and recognize farmers committed to continuous improvement. Farmers have shown great interest in accessing resources and education to voluntarily implement science-based water quality practices.
OACI collaborates with the H2Ohio initiative led by the DeWine Administration. The partnership ensures funds are allocated to farmers who demonstrate dedication to continuous improvement through H2Ohio approved practices, contributing to healthier waterways. The initiative was initially launched in the Maumee watershed but has expanded to cover 24 counties in northwest Ohio, with plans for statewide expansion.
The Nature Conservancy's Ohio Agriculture Project Director, Jessica D'Ambrosio, commended the collaborative efforts of OACI. She emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and information exchange among environmental, agricultural, and research communities.
The OACI certification program is open to all Ohio farmers. They can become OACI Certified by downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or by visiting OhioACI.org and clicking on the "Become OACI Certified" button.
OACI is a partnership between agriculture, conservation, environmental, and research communities to recognize farmers for their dedication to improving water quality in Ohio. Organizations involved include The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Environmental Council, and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.
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Categories: Ohio, General