NW Ohio Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 364, a measure that exempts certain non-commercial seed-sharing activities from regulations related to seed labeling, inspection, and advertising. The bill is sponsored by State Representatives Dave Dobos (R-Columbus) and Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland).

House Bill 364 specifically exempts non-commercial seed sharing aimed at conserving plants essential for the survival and growth of threatened or endangered species. It also covers efforts to conserve or create native plant populations.

“The idea for this bill was brought to us by one of my constituents, David Donofrio, who serves as the Vice President of the Ohio Prairie Association,” said Dobos. “Some of the organization’s members wanted to share seeds of milkweed plants to help our dwindling monarch butterfly population, but current law prohibits it.”

Over the past two decades, the Monarch butterfly population has declined by nearly 90%. These butterflies are known for their migration from Mexico to Ohio, where they lay eggs exclusively on milkweed plants. Milkweed then serves as their sole food source before they migrate back.

“House Bill 364 will fix an unintended consequence caused by restrictions on seed sharing,” stated Klopfenstein. “By allowing certain seed sharing, we will help boost conservation efforts around the state.”

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.