Ohio Farm Bureau

Gov. John Kasich abandoned one of his most basic principles by announcing unilateral regulation of farming practices in an attempt to improve Lake Erie water quality. With no conversation with Ohio’s agriculture community, the Kasich executive order would include regulation of over 2 million acres in northwest Ohio.

Today’s executive order ignores the transparent and inclusive approach to the regulatory process Kasich promised with his “Common Sense Initiative.” Because the agricultural community was not included in the process, farmers are left with frustration, questions and uncertainty on both the process and implications of this order.

“We can’t even react to the specific regulations he’s proposing; we haven’t seen them,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau.

Kasich’s order has no realistic recognition of the time nor the financial or educational resources required for farmers to comply.  Regulations created under the order may conflict with multiple layers of existing regulation. There are also significant concerns about the science applied, the processes through which the order will be enacted and the specific authorities of the multiple state agencies charged with carrying out the order.  

Sharp said Farm Bureau will take the rare step of filing a formal public records request in order to gain clarity on some of these issues.

“We’re also curious why the order deals with only agriculture and not other pieces of the water puzzle, especially since the administration has prioritized other water quality initiatives instead of farm conservation programs,” Sharp said.     

The Kasich administration said it has invested more than $3 billion to improve Lake Erie water quality.  But an examination of the expenditures, reported by Cleveland Public Broadcasting Station WCPN, found that only 1 percent of that money was used to address agriculture’s portion of the water quality challenge.

“If we weren’t a priority for state resources, why are we a priority for state regulation?” Sharp asked.

Farm Bureau supports the actions of the Ohio House and Senate in passage of Clean Lake 2020, which became law today. It provides funding of up to $20 million in a targeted phosphorus reduction fund, $3.5 million to support soil testing and the development of nutrient management plans, among other provisions, recognizing the complex needs of farmers in the process.

Working with the legislature – and the administration – is always the preferred approach to address agricultural concerns.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

 

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
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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