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Ohio Farm Bureau has stepped up its Foundation’s role in improving the quality of life for Ohio’s rural communities. The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation was initiated in 1985, and since that time has supported scholarships for Farm Bureau youth. Now, the Foundation board and officers will strive for measurable agricultural community improvement in Ohio through support of special projects that focus on agricultural education, rural environment and economic issues.

"The emphasis of the current foundation has been on scholarships, and we’ve not had a lot of money in the foundation, so there’s been a small number of scholarships," said Jack Fisher, OFBF executive vice president. "We’re looking to expand that in the future to address economic, educational and environmental issues that we think are of importance to not only our membership in the Ohio Farm Bureau but all Ohio residents."

Promoting education will remain an important issue to the Foundation, which will also support programs that focus on agricultural education and incorporate scientific and economic principals. Bringing awareness of agricultural initiatives in metropolitan areas will also be a focus.

The Foundation will encourage advancement of rural environmental issues or development of solutions through community involvement. The OFBF Foundation will also focus on programs that further rural technology and risk reduction opportunities impacting farmers and other rural residents.

Members of OFBF staff and board of trustees serve as the board and officers for the Foundation, with the staff providing development and administrative support. The Foundation is organized under IRS Code 501C(3). Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law, and staff salaries will not be paid from Foundation assets.

Financial support for the Foundation comes from individual donors, agricultural organizations and corporations/foundations. The Foundation accepts contributions from individuals and other allied groups or organizations interested in the purposes of the Foundation.

Other fundraising efforts are the Farm Bureau Online Store and a golf outing scheduled June 10, 2002 at Muirfield Village Country Club. At www.ofbf.org members will find Farm Bureau shirts, sweatshirts, vests, hats and outerwear.