ODA Announces H2Ohio Open Enrollment in WLEB

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge announced today that farmers in 10 counties of the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) are eligible to enroll in H2Ohio's agriculture incentive program starting March 24.

Producers in the following northwest Ohio counties are eligible to enroll or re-enroll acreage into proven, science-based, best management practices (BMPs) that contribute toward improving water quality:

• Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, and Wyandot.

Farmers must have an up-to-date soil test and develop an approved Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP) to enroll into other best management practices being offered in 2025 and 2026. Available BMPs include overwintering cover, subsurface phosphorus placement and manure incorporation and utilization. To date, more than 3,200 producers have enrolled 2.2 million acres in H2Ohio across the state. In northwest Ohio, approximately 43% of cropland in the WLEB or nearly 1 in 2 fields, is enrolled in H2Ohio.

"The agricultural community in Ohio has shown us time and time again they are dedicated to doing their part to improve water quality," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "We are asking farmers to step up once more and continue their commitment to reducing nutrients and protecting Ohio's waterways for future generations, and we strongly encourage farmers who have not enrolled in H2Ohio before to talk with their county SWCD."

To apply, farmers should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and provide up-to-date soil tests. Producers who enroll will receive support to develop and implement VNMPs, which encourage better utilization of nutrients applied.

ODA works closely with county SWCDs to administer participant contracts, provide technical assistance, and support producers with the implementation of best management practices. H2Ohio provides producers cost-saving benefits, such as financial and technical assistance, to implement conservation practices that are proven to improve soil health and water quality.

H2Ohio is Governor Mike DeWine's statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio's waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water. H2Ohio's agricultural program, which initially focused solely on farms located in northwest Ohio near Lake Erie, incentivizes farmers to implement science-based, proven best management practices to prevent nutrient runoff and improve water quality.

For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov.