Policy & Politics

OBM's Preliminary Revenue Report Shows Continued Slump in State Tax Receipts

Published Jun. 5, 2009

OBM's preliminary revenue report for May show a continuing slump in personal income tax receipts and a sizeable hit to sales tax intake compared to the agency's estimates as revised several months ago. Total tax receipts for the month were nearly $165 million, or 10.7%, less than projected...

ODA Director Zehringer Appoints Top Administrators

Published Jan. 13, 2011

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director James Zehringer today announced several new appointments to the department’s senior management team: Frederick M. Shimp, assistant director; Rocky Black, deputy director; Andy Ware, communications director; Thomas A. Johnston, chief financial officer...

ODA to Accept Aquaculture Grant Applications

Published Dec. 30, 2010

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (Dec. 30, 2010) – Ohio’s fish farmers can now apply for their portion of $34,859 in reimbursements through the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Aquaculture Grant Program. The program will assist producers who suffered financial losses associated with high feed costs in 2009.

ODA to Accept Specialty Crop Grant Proposals

Published May. 8, 2009

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (April 27, 2009) – The Ohio Department of Agriculture is seeking project proposals that will advance long-term economic viability and sustainability of Ohio’s specialty crop industry while increasing the marketability of specialty crops.

OFBF Comments on Buckeye Wind Draft Habitiat Conservation Plan for Indiana Bat

Published Sep. 28, 2012

OFBF comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concerning its evaluation of Buckeye Wind LLC's draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement as part of an application for an Incidental Take Permit concerning the myotis Sodalis or Indiana bat.

OFBF Comments on Proposed Ag Labor Standards

Published Dec. 13, 2011

The Department of Labor has recently proposed a sweeping change in child labor regulations as they apply to agriculture, which could limit the ability of many children under 16 years of age to work on a farm. Over 10,000 public comments have been submitted to the Department of Labor regarding these changes. Public comments were received through December 1, 2011.

[160x120]_3rd_frontier_vote_button_american1.jpg
Vote Yes on Issue 1

OFBF Endorses a YES Vote on Issue 1 - Third Frontier Renewal

Published Apr. 7, 2010

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has announced its support for State Issue 1on the May 4th ballot, which will renew Ohio’s highly successful Third Frontier program. OFBF’s Board of Trustees felt Third Frontier is a proven driver of economic development and represents responsible use...

OFBF Endorses a YES Vote on Issue 2 - Casino Location Change

Published Apr. 7, 2010

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) Board of Trustees has voted to support passage of State Issue 2 on the May 4th ballot. Issue 2 would authorize a change in location for the Columbus casino, which was approved by Ohio voters last November.

OFBF Monitoring HB 149 Chapter 166 Loans - Supermarkets (Miller, E - D)

Published Nov. 9, 2009

HB 149 would allows under served community groceries to qualify for Department of Development loans and loan guarantees. Current law authorizes the Department of Development to issue loans and loan guarantees for certain economic development projects.

OFBF Public Policy Staff Identify Three Upcoming Key Votes for Ohio Lawmakers

Published Jun. 9, 2009

Ohio Farm Bureau staff have identified three upcoming Key Votes for Ohio lawmakers. These include - SCR8 in the Ohio Senate and HCR 15 in the Ohio House regarding a proposed Cow Tax Resolution, SCR 15 a resolution regarding Federal Climate Change legislation, and SB 131 - a bio-based products...