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ODA announces assistance programs for Western Lake Erie Basin

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda announced new assistance programs for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin today.

The programs will be funded by the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 299, which provides $23.5 million to soil and water conservation districts in the Western Lake Erie Basin for nutrient management programs.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has already distributed $3.5 million to more than 20 soil and water conservation districts in Northwest Ohio.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says the programs are a “good step toward promoting better water quality.”

At the Ohio federation of Soil and Water conservation Districts annual meeting this morning, Pelanda announced the remaining $20 million will be used in three new assistance programs: The Ohio Working Lands Program, the Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan Development program, and the Cost Share and Equipment Buy Down program.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s Jack Irvin says the passage of the bill is an important step in the right direction to build on progress that has been made.

Farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin should contact their local soil and water conservation district office for more information.