Ohio Congressman Bob Latta has co-sponsored legislation aimed at examining the causes of algal blooms in the Great Lakes and evaluating mitigation efforts.

The bill, the Great Lakes & Fresh Water Algal Blooms Information Act, authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to compile research and information on algal blooms in the Great Lakes, their tributaries, and surface fresh waters. It also requires that findings be reported to Congress and be made available to the public.

“The health of our Great Lakes is critical to our region and important to the entire country,” Latta said. “Being able to access pertinent data will help us develop and implement the most effective methods to ensure healthy water in our Great Lakes, their tributaries and surface fresh waters.”

The Great Lakes region contains 84 percent of North America’s fresh surface water, providing 40 million Americans with drinking water, and generating tens of billions of dollars in fishing and tourism revenue, according to a news release from Latta’s office.

Ohio Farm Bureau is continuing to work proactively to ensure the state has both clean water and productive farming. Over the past 2½ years, OFBF has invested more than $2 million in its comprehensive Water Quality Action Plan. Farm Bureau staff and county volunteers have worked to implement water qualit y programs in communities throughout Ohio with the help of dozens of partnering organizations.

To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
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Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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