The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a water quality and ag nutrients bill that is the first of its kind in the nation. Senate Bill 150, previously passed by the Senate, requires farmers who apply fertilizer to 50 or more acres be certified by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The goal is to protect water quality and keep nutrients on farm fields and out of waterways, in particular those leading to Lake Erie.
Leaders in Ohio's agriculture industry worked hard to make sure the bill addressed environmental issues and didn't have overly burdensome requirements for farmers. Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association President Brent Hostetler said legislators need to understand the importance of finding “practical, science-based solutions.”
"No one has a clear understanding of how exactly phosphorus is moving through the soil profile or can explain why there are algae blooms in areas that don't have agricultural activity near them," Hostetler said.
Senate Bill 150 requires:
The bill will now return to the Senate to receive its concurrence vote and then to Gov. John Kasich for his signature. The first certifications are expected to occur in early 2015. OABA plans to be engaged in the rulemaking process.