Rockside Winery, our family-run vineyard suffered severe damage after Nutrien sprayed herbicides improperly, violating agricultural laws. Despite an investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and a maximum fine of $5,000 being issued, Nutrien spent far more money than that fighting the fine, which was upheld by the Attorney General's office. Yet Nutrien continues to deny responsibility. We have plenty of evidence to support our claim, including statements from OSU, our expert witness, weather station data, and the positive chemical analysis done by the Department of Agriculture that our entire vineyard was damaged by exactly what Nutrien's agent sprayed.
This is part of a broader issue across Ohio and America where large agricultural businesses prioritize profit over accountability, leaving smaller farms vulnerable. My frustration stems from the lack of accountability, the financial and emotional toll on our family, and the risk to our business and customers.
They claim to be friendly to the environment, honest and ethical. They are none of these. In our area alone over the past 5 years they were named in more than 30 claims, yet thy only had to pay the fine in three cases. The CEO makes more than 4.7 million a year, yet refuses to be responsible for the $150,000. worth of damages they caused to our vineyard. Not to mention the fact that I was working in the vineyard, and customers were coming in to our winery, while the overspray occurred. read more