H2Ohio Farmer Incentive Program: Farmers Answering the Call

Reducing phosphorus runoff is critical in improving water quality. However, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. That is why H2Ohio incentivizes farmers to implement seven proven, science-based, cost-effective, best management practices. Producers can work with their Soil and Water Conservation District to determine which practices will have the most effectiveness on their farm while still producing a high yield of crop. Producers must complete a voluntary nutrient management plan from which all other best management practices can be built.

Initially, H2Ohio was available to producers in a targeted 14-county area in the Maumee River Watershed within the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). Producers’ response to Ohio’s first voluntary water quality initiative was remarkable. After first-round sign-ups, more than 1,800 producers enrolled more than 1.1 million acres into voluntary nutrient management plans.

With continued funding through the Ohio Legislature, the H2Ohio farmer incentive program is expanding to the 10 remaining counties in the WLEB.  Farmers in the counties depicted in the map can sign up through their Soil and Water Conservation District to receive funding and enroll in targeted conservation practices that work best on their farms.