The Ohio Smart Agriculture: Solutions from the Land initiative seeks to build upon partnerships that have developed as part of a diverse coalition of agricultural, environmental, food security and health leaders across Ohio over the past two years. The goal of the group is to construct a strategy and action plan for making Ohio agriculture and food systems more resilient to face the many challenges ahead.

Based on an integrated approach to land management, the project leaders are seeking to identify, design and deploy strategies that support the sustainable production of food, feed, fiber, energy and environmental benefits, in service to all Ohioans, including those who are most vulnerable to food insecurity. While embracing the vision of Ohio agriculture as helping to feed the world, this effort recognizes that we need to start with feeding our neighbors in Ohio more effectively, and in a way that preserves our precious natural resources.

The Ohio Smart Agriculture initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with The Ohio State University's Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) and is being led by a Steering Committee composed of respected Ohio agricultural, food systems, health and conservation experts.

The leaders have formulated a draft vision for mid-century Ohio agriculture along with potential strategies for achieving this vision. Before going any further, the leadership team is seeking input and guidance from a broad audience of Ohio farmers, consumers and businesses. They specifically are seeking early feedback on their preliminary findings, along with other suggestions that should be considered for keeping Ohio agriculture vibrant and successful.

Your experience, knowledge and insight is important. Please join us at one of the information sharing/listening sessions scheduled below to learn more about this important initiative, and to share your views and recommendations.

If you want to know more about the initiative or have additional questions about the regional meetings, please contact Angela Latham at 614-354-7641.

Central Region

Location: Fairfield Co. Extension Office, Large Meeting Room, 831 College Ave # D, Lancaster, OH 43130

Date: 3/16/2018

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Northeast Region

Location: Fisher Auditorium, North Exhibit Area, 1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, OH 44691

Date: 3/15/2018

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Northwest Region

Location: Wood Co. Extension Office - Large Conf. Room, 639 S Dunbridge Rd # 1, Bowling Green, OH 43402

Date: 3/14/2018

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Southeast Region

Location: OSU South Centers, Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Rd, Piketon, OH 45661

Date: 3/5/2018

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Southwest Region

Location: Clark Co. Extension Office, 3130 E Main St, Springfield, OH 45503

Date: 3/8/2018

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.