Legislation Promoting Conservation and Removing Barriers to Seed Sharing Becomes Law
COLUMBUS— Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 364, which promotes conservation initiatives and streamlines seed-sharing practices across the state into law, announced sponsors Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Dave Dobos (R-Columbus).
The new law exempts noncommercial seed-sharing activities from existing seed regulations, including labeling, permitting, and inspection requirements, while maintaining protections to ensure public safety and ecological health.
“This is a win for Ohio’s conservationists, gardeners, and communities,” said Klopfenstein. “This law removes outdated barriers to noncommercial seed-sharing, empowering Ohioans to take part in conserving pollinators and supporting native plant habitats. It’s a step forward for sustainability and collaboration.”
“This law will help boost conservation efforts across Ohio,” said Dobos. “While the main goal is to support monarch butterfly recovery by promoting milkweed, it also helps protect plants vital to other threatened and endangered species.”
Key provisions of the law also include updates to the state’s list of noxious weeds to reflect modern agricultural priorities. Milkweed, a critical plant for monarch butterfly habitats, has been removed from the list of weeds requiring mandatory removal, highlighting the law’s dual focus on conservation and practicality.
HB 364 will go into effect 90 days after being signed into law.