The Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission meeting on May 28, 2025, featured a passionate address from local agriculture educator Ashley Garlic, who raised significant concerns about the impact of land use changes on the region's farmland and environmental health. Garlic, a representative of Leffler Farms, emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural land, citing her background in agro-science education and ongoing studies in agriculture.

Garlic began her remarks by questioning the accuracy of a map provided to her family regarding land use changes, expressing confusion over discrepancies between the map they received and the one presented at the meeting. She highlighted the critical role of farmland in Ohio, noting that the state contributes approximately $98 billion annually to the agricultural economy, primarily through the production of corn, wheat, and soybeans.

Drawing parallels to the environmental themes in the movie "The Lorax," Garlic warned against the dangers of industrializing agricultural land without considering the long-term consequences, such as soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. She explained that soil is a living entity essential for carbon sequestration, water quality, and flood prevention. Garlic recalled her personal experience during the 2014 Toledo algae bloom, which underscored the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for community well-being.

In conclusion, Garlic urged the commission to consider the broader implications of land use decisions, emphasizing that even small reductions in farmland can have significant effects on environmental quality and agricultural productivity. Her remarks served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of agriculture, environmental health, and community resilience in Toledo and Lucas County.