When a priority issue is drafted as a bill and passed by the legislature in a form that is consistent with OFBF policy, it is considered a legislative victory.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is truly a grassroots organization. Our members write and approve our policies that dictate the legislative and regulatory efforts of the OFBF staff. The policy development process begins at the county level. Members write proposed policies and approve them at their county annual meetings. From there, the proposed policies are reviewed by the state policy development committee and voted on at the OFBF annual meeting. Federal policies continue on to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting.
It is from these policies that state board of trustees decides our legislative priorities for the year. These policies also determine the organization’s position on proposed legislation. When a priority issue is drafted as a bill and passed by the legislature in a form that is consistent with OFBF policy, we consider this a legislative victory.
The Ohio Supreme Court recently sided with a group of landowners who have suffered damaging flooding after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources redesigned and significantly increased the size of a spillway at Grand Lake St. Mary’s. In State ex. rel. Doner v. Zody, 2011-Ohio-6117, the state...
On November 29, 2011 the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) granted an emergency extension of the hours of service exemption to those drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles transporting agricultural products within Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau had requested PUCO issue such an emergency...
Congressional ratification of three bilateral free-trade agreements between the United States and Korea, Colombia and Panama, as well as approval of Trade Adjustment Assistance, is welcome news for farmers and ranchers, according to the American Farm Bureau...
“Powerful” is a fitting description of Ohio Farm Bureau’s legislative successes in 2011. In a time when many advocacy organizations are fighting to remain relevant, farmers are working together through Farm Bureau to achieve impressive results at the Statehouse.
Here is the Buckeye Farm News re-cap of public policy achievements in 2010.
From the courthouse to the statehouse to the U.S. Capitol and in government agencies at all levels, county Farm Bureau public policy action teams cultivate relationships with elected officials and organize Farm Bureau's membership to be effective grassroots advocates.
Advisory teams discuss current issues within their team, write and recommend new policies related to their team's issues and recommend any programming or activities needed related to their team.
AgriPOWER is an elite program that focuses on public policy issues confronting agriculture and the food industry. Limited to 20 participants, the institute helps them develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for agriculture.