2012 "Friend of Agricultural" award presented to Rep. Jack Cera

Belmont County Farm Bureau presented Rep. Jack Cera with the 2012 “Friend of Agricultural” award during the opening ceremony for the Belmont County Fair.  Presenting the award was Don Carpenter, county president and Floyd Simpson.  

 A bipartisan group of elected officials and candidates have been recognized for their support of agriculture. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Agriculture for Good Government Political Action Committee (AGGPAC) grants the “Friend of Agriculture” designation to state candidates, and the “Friend of Farm Bureau” goes to U.S. congressional candidates.

 The award recognizes incumbents and those running for office who stand out as advocates for Ohio’s diverse agricultural community. Democrats and Republicans both are recipients of the recognition. As a nonpartisan organization, Farm Bureau awards its “Friend” designation regardless of political affiliation; it goes to individuals who have demonstrated their willingness to collaborate with Farm Bureau to the benefit of its members and all Ohioans.

 The “Friend” recognition for incumbents is based primarily on the elected official’s voting record on key issues of significant importance to Ohio agriculture. State level key issues this year included transportation, the Great Lakes Compact, voluntary marketing agreements and farm loan programs. Federal issues included free trade agreements, air and water quality and small business tax issues.

 In addition to voting records, county Farm Bureau boards of trustees provide input on how well the elected official works with the agriculture community in his or her district.