The Ohio Department of Agriculture announced on April 1 that it has issued a final Permit to Operate renewal for West Side Dairy, in accordance with OAC rule 901:10-6-01.
The department said that the final permit may be appealed. “The notice of appeal and the filing fee as may be required must be sent to: The Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC), 30 East Broad Street 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, (614-466-8950) by 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2026. Questions regarding the appeal process may be directed to ERAC. A copy of the appeal must be served on the director of agriculture within three days after filing the appeal with ERAC,” according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture supports more than 77,000 farms and 129,000 agricultural producers across Ohio while overseeing over 34 million acres of farmland, according to the official website. The department contributes $7.8 billion in cash receipts from production agriculture and adds $132.5 billion to the state economy while supporting over 593,000 jobs, according to the official website.
Additionally, the department works to safeguard Ohio residents by overseeing the state’s food supply and the well-being of its food animals and plants while fostering economic prospects for farmers, food processors and agribusinesses, according to the official website. It also bolsters rural economies and public health by providing drought resources and ensuring food safety across the state.
The agency extends its operations statewide with inspectors traveling throughout Ohio to ensure compliance across various agricultural sectors. In recognition of service during challenging conditions, it recognized ten Soil and Water Conservation Districts for their outstanding service amid the 2024 drought, according to information from its official website.
Further details about this permit renewal can be found in the organization’s press release.
