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My name is Marissa Mulligan, and I am the new Policy Outreach Fellow for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. I am excited to begin my work researching policies that affect the members of Farm Bureau around the state of Ohio.

The fellowship program, now in its second year, is an exciting initiative for Farm Bureau. It provides pathways to leadership for young agricultural professionals like myself, and works toward the organization’s mission of working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. The yearlong program is research-intensive, but also features educational opportunities to help participants grow their skill set as professionals in the field of food production and agriculture.

I grew up in Philadelphia, but currently reside in Franklin County. Raised in a city, my connection to agriculture was minimal. However, agriculture became a part of my life when I started in the Ohio State University Animal Sciences Department. The classes I attended in the department gave the hands-on experience I needed for my interest to flourish. My passion for farming and advocacy truly came to fruition when I started my internship at Harrison Farm in Canal Winchester. This small sheep and goat farm gave me the opportunity to do exactly what I love and grow as a young professional in agriculture.

This past year I participated in AgriPOWER, a leadership program through the Ohio Farm Bureau. I was so blessed to receive that opportunity to develop as an individual and a leader. Throughout the program, I began to comprehend how a grassroots organization can make an impact on the legislative process. I hope the research I conduct in this position can aid the OFBF public policy department to support food and farm communities around the state. I am eager to explore opportunities that bridge the gap between producers and consumers.