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by Susie Taylor

The goal is to develop an agricultural agenda that can be shared with local, state and federal lawmakers. The means to reach that goal begins with a gathering of representatives from all aspects of the food industry – from farm to plate.

"We’re trying something new by reaching out to the entire food production and processing sector in Ohio," explained Keith Stimpert, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) vice president of government affairs and the organization’s point person on an Ohio Agricultural Forum, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Columbus.

"What we hope to come out of this initial meeting with are some core, consensus issues that would form the basis of an Ohio Agricultural Agenda," Stimpert said. "If we can do that, agriculture’s collective message will be stronger."

Stimpert cautioned the forum isn’t an attempt to form a new organization, but more an informal effort to help each group reinforce its common positions. "We will be strengthened in our message if we are able to identify key issues of overriding importance to agriculture as a whole," according to the invitation from OFBF Executive Vice President John C. "Jack" Fisher.

Groups asked to participate range from general farm organizations to commodity groups to the traditional industries that often align themselves with agriculture. Officials from local, state and federal agencies also have been invited as have representatives of food-related companies.

"Individual groups may have their own issues that are important only to them, but we think they each have some commonality and that we can get some valuable input on those issues," Stimpert said. "And then, we’ll have something we can bring up with candidates on the campaign trail this fall and use when our state and federal lawmakers reconvene next January."

Stimpert said the group may meet once or twice a year to update those common issues and revise the document.

For more information about the forum to develop an Ohio Agricultural Agenda, contact Stimpert at 614-249-2411.