Info meetings set for H2Ohio initiative

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COLUMBUS — State Representative Craig S. Riedel (R-Defiance) applauds the initiative to support local famers and minimize the phosphorus runoff in Ohio’s waterways. The support comes through $30 million in H2Ohio funding to be made available to farmers in Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert and Auglaize counties, along with 10 other counties in Northwest Ohio. 

“Farmers in the 82nd House District and northwest Ohio deserve this support now more than ever and I’m very excited to see how the Governor’s initiative will benefit our communities,” Rep. Riedel said. “Our farmers are working hard day in and day out to provide for us. It’s time they get shown this great support from our state government.”

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, H2Ohio will fund investments in 10 scientifically proven interventions to reduce nutrient runoff from agriculture, which is the primary cause for algal blooms. 

“H2Ohio will provide farm-by-farm support to help farmers minimize phosphorus runoff while increasing profit over the long-run,” Governor Mike DeWine added. 

The following counties will be eligible to apply for funds at their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, starting February 1: Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, and Wood. 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture, in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative, will host informational meetings throughout February to outline the application process, explain the H2Ohio certification process, and answer any questions. Below are the dates, times and locations for those meetings.