Policy & Politics

EPA Bans Carbofuran for Food Crops

Published May. 14, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule Monday banning the use of the pesticide carbofuran on food crops, saying it poses an unacceptable health risk, especially to children.

Farm Bureau Center to elevate animal issues

Published May. 14, 2009

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has announced the creation of the Center for Food and Animal Issues. The Center represents Farm Bureau’s expanded commitment to participate in and influence the public dialog over the role animals play in society.

Four Ohio Counties Eligible for Disaster Assistance

Published May. 8, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated four Ohio counties as agricultural natural disaster areas, making certain farmers and other agricultural producers in the counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

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.

Obama Approval at 63 Percent: Ohioans See Little Easing of Economic Woes

Published May. 8, 2009

Cincinnati, OH--President Barack Obama's overall approval rating is 63 percent in Ohio. Governor Ted Strickland's overall approval rating now stands at 56 percent. Most Ohioans continue to see economic conditions in Ohio and the U.S. as either "fair" or "poor."

Ohioans See Economic Trouble Ahead for Next Generation

Published May. 8, 2009

Cincinnati, OH--Forty-six percent of Ohio adults see the next generation of working adults as being worse
off economically than the current generation of workers. Thirty percent of Ohioans say their household
has experienced a layoff or job loss during the past 12 months.

Ohioans Weigh in on State Policy Issues

Published May. 8, 2009

Cincinnati, OH--The latest Ohio Poll included questions regarding a series of policy proposals being
discussed across the country. While majorities of Ohioans favor making casino-style gambling legal in Ohio
and allowing doctors to prescribe medicinal marijuana, other proposals met opposition.

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $800 Million from Recovery Act to Accelerate Biof

Published May. 8, 2009

As part of the ongoing effort to increase the use of domestic renewable fuels, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced plans to provide $786.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate advanced biofuels research and development and to provide additional...

H1N1 Update

Published May. 8, 2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to hold daily press conferences on the hybrid influenza outbreak. The alert level has been raised from Phase 4 to Phase 5, and may be increased to Phase 6 in some regions.

Climate Change Hearings End; Mark-Up Delayed

Published May. 8, 2009

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held 4 days of hearing on a draft climate change bill drafted by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) during which the committee heard from over 50 witnesses, including former Vice President Al Gore, former Senator John Warner and...