Ohio EPA director calls for improving the agency's permitting process
The head of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is determined to improve the permitting process at the agency, which has more than 1,300 rules.
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What's this?Recent News
- Ohio Livestock Coalition accepting nominations for 'Neighbor of the Year' awards
- Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees announced
- Ohio Congressional delegation involved in Farm Bill progress
- It’s half a ton, it’s on the loose and it wants to run. Stay calm?
- Legal tips for all purpose vehicle use
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Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally, left, joins Ohio Farm Bureau's Jack Fisher on a recent edition of Town Hall Ohio.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Accepts Specialty Crop Grant Proposals
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for the 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which will provide funding for projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Ohio’s specialty crops. The department is seeking project proposals that will advance long-term...
Ohio Agriculture Goes to Washington DC
For the 64th year, Ohio Farm Bureau county presidents visited Washington, D.C. last week to discuss agricultural issues with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Andy Vance of ABN Radio was among several reporters that covered the event including a briefing by American Farm Bureau staff...
Ohio - State Budget Update
The Senates Select Committee on Video Lottery Terminals heard testimony from Michael Dolan, the Ohio Lottery director, and David Ellis, deputy director of the Office of Budget and Management. Dolan told the committee that installing the video lottery terminals (VLTS) would not be too complicated...
OFBF's letter to Ohio Dept. of Health on sewage treatment system rules
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) would like to thank you for the opportunity to review and submit comments on the package of draft proposed revisions to the sewage treatment system rules (OAC 3701-29-01 to 3701-29-23). OFBF policies are based on the tenet of protecting private property rights.
OFBF's letter on transporation rules to Chairman Damschroder of House Committee
OFBF submitted a letter on transportation rules to Chairman Damschroder of the House Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Sub-Committee. Farm Bureau policy opposes HB 133, which is legislation to remove the requirement that vehicles have a front license plate.
OFBF's letter on agricultural nutrients, proposed draft legislation
An abundant supply of high quality water is Ohio’s greatest natural resource. Protecting water quality is essential to Ohio’s future. OFBF believes that farmers have the responsibility to proactively do our part to solve the nutrient management challenge facing Ohio today.
OFBF to Sponsor Campaign Management Seminar
The Ohio Farm Bureau will join with other statewide business and agricultural commodity organizations to offer a Campaign Management Seminar for candidates interested in running for local, statewide, or national offices. The seminar will be held September 2-3, 2009.
OFBF Testifies as an Interested Party on SB109
OFBF recently weighed in on a new piece of proposed legislation which would effectively immunize trespassers from liability if they enter a property to “beautify” it. Senate Bill 109 attempts to change the current trespassing laws to provide immunization from any criminal trespassing charges...
OFBF staff testimony to House Ag and Natural Resources State Fair Committee
The Ohio State Fair is an opportunity to showcase the agricultural industry in Ohio, which contributes $107 billion to our state’s economy each year and is responsible for one in seven Ohio jobs. Over 11.5 million Ohioans love to eat, need transportation, and participate in agri-tainment.
OFBF staff testimony on state budget, HB 59
OFBF Director of State Policy, Brandon Kern submitted written testimony to members of the Senate Finance Education Sub-Committee regarding items important to Farm Bureau in the state budget bill.
OFBF staff testimony on SB 66, Grain Indemnity Fund
The grain indemnity fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers in the event a licensed grain elevator became insolvent. Historic increases in agriculture commodity prices have fueled new debate about the appropriate level of funding for the grain indemnity fund.
OFBF Responds to HSUS Power Grab
Out-of-state activists have begun their efforts to undo Ohioans’ overwhelming passage of Issue 2. Less than three months after Ohioans approved Issue 2 to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB), lobbyists from Washington, D.C. have declared they know better than Ohio voters...
OFBF Public Policy Staff Identify Three Upcoming Key Votes for Ohio Lawmakers
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...
OFBF Monitoring HB 149 Chapter 166 Loans - Supermarkets (Miller, E - D)
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 Endorses a YES Vote on Issue 2 - Casino Location Change
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.
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Vote Yes on Issue 1
OFBF Endorses a YES Vote on Issue 1 - Third Frontier Renewal
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 Comments on Proposed Ag Labor Standards
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.
OFBF Comments on Buckeye Wind Draft Habitiat Conservation Plan for Indiana Bat
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.
ODA to Accept Specialty Crop Grant Proposals
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.
ODA to Accept Aquaculture Grant Applications
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 Director Zehringer Appoints Top Administrators
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...
OBM's Preliminary Revenue Report Shows Continued Slump in State Tax Receipts
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...
Obama's Fuel Efficiency Standards a Blow to E-85
President Barack Obama's tough fuel economy program for vehicles could put another damper on the struggling ethanol business, because the alternative fuel packs lower energy content than gasoline, according to Reuters. Obama on Tuesday introduced the most aggressive proposal yet...
Obama Nominates Judge Sotomayor for Supreme Court
Today President Barack Obama announced Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court of the United States. Read more about Judge Sotomayor and the President's decision to nominate her in the official White House Blog.