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In an address to the delegates at the opening of the general session at Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual meeting, OFBF President Terry McClure said he believes in the future of farming.

He said there have been many times throughout the years that naysayers have written off agriculture, but he believes in the future of agriculture today. McClure said time and again the naysayers were wrong, and those who write off farming today are wrong again.

"Farm Bureau has always been about self-determination. Farm Bureau has never been about guaranteeing a profit," McClure said. "Farm Bureau has always been about a ‘hand-up’ while we worked to level the playing field."

McClure said when farmers are given a level playing field, free markets still work, and OFBF has worked hard in 2001 to give farmers a level playing field.

"This last year, we initiated a study on macro-economics and how they affect your farm. This study was used by our Farm Bill Task Force and distributed to the American Farm Bureau and the other 49 state farm bureaus," McClure said. "Value-added opportunities are being increased with the creation of the Heartland organization. Also the Mid-American Ag and Hort Services was kicked-off to help farmers be in compliance with worker standards."

He urged the delegates to contact their legislators on issues and bills concerning a national energy policy, and he believes the creation of ethanol plants is vital for Ohio’s farmers.

"I believe there is a greater need for a national energy policy than ever before in our country’s history," McClure said. "Tax credits for farmer-owned renewable fuel plants should be passed and development grants should target infra-structure needs for these new ventures."

Because the change in the federal order system, milk outside Ohio’s order is allowed to be priced in Ohio with minimum delivery requirements. McClure urged the delegates to pass policy on order writing.

McClure said Trade Promotion Authority is important to the future of Ohio’s farmers.

"Trade Promotion Authority for the executive branch must be passed now. It’s like trying to buy a farm when the seller knows you haven’t talked to your banker – they just don’t take you very seriously," McClure said. "I believe we must untie the hands of our negotiators. Over 130 preferential trade agreements exist today; only two of them include the United States."

Because of events revolving around Sept. 11, McClure advised the delegates to talk with their customers to reassure them about the safety of the food supply. He said Farm Bureau should represent the food supply from farm gate to table.

"We in agriculture have a great story to tell, a story of safe, abundant supply," McClure said. "Over the past few months we all have been awakened and forced to remind ourselves of what we believe in and what is important in our lives. I believe most of us have quietly and privately made the decision that we would stand up and fight beside our young men and women in uniform. I ask you today – Will you fight for the future of farming?"