H.B. 568 Summary

• Creates the Healthy Soils Task Force to develop a comprehensive healthy soils initiative and action plan for Ohio, with the Director of Agriculture as a voting member and 14 additional voting members appointed by the Governor including farmers, academic experts, and representatives from conservation and environmental organizations.

• Task Force must develop standards using organic matter, biological activity, biological diversity, and soil structure to assess improved soil health and establish goals and timelines for implementation through voluntary partnerships.

• Requires examination of research and education resources for farmers, financial incentive options, livestock contributions to soil health, soil testing for chemicals like dioxin, and plants for soil remediation including alfalfa, sunflower, date palms, and mustards.

• Directs Task Force to review the federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and identify opportunities to leverage funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and other conservation programs.

• Task Force must submit comprehensive action plan and findings to the Governor and legislative agriculture committees by December 31, 2023, and ceases to exist January 1, 2024.