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The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has released early results of a new survey finding that 65% of those involved in Ohio’s food supply system have been negatively or very negatively impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The statewide Farm, Food and Agribusiness COVID-19 Impact Survey, distributed by Ohio Farm Bureau and a number of other agriculture groups, collected data to pinpoint areas of concern for every aspect of agriculture, including producers, retailers and food processors. With over 1,000 surveys returned, statistics show:

• Nearly half (45%) of respondents have had their market distribution channels disrupted.
• 29% of those taking part in the survey have cash flow issues.
• Almost 15% of people polled cannot access the sanitation and protective equipment items required to operate (masks, sanitizer, etc.)

“This is a real-time snapshot of what the state’s agriculture community is dealing with as we work through the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Even though everyone along the food supply chain is essential and the work continues from the farm to the grocery store, there is still more work to do to make sure we keep the system moving in the right direction.”

From the onset of the pandemic, Farm Bureau has been delivering the most up-to-date information from the state and national levels to help its members navigate through these challenging times. This survey will help further those efforts.

“The information we are receiving from this survey is going to help us on two fronts,” said Yvonne Lesicko, vice president of public policy for Ohio Farm Bureau. “We are lobbying hard to make sure USDA is allocating funds where they are needed the most across the industry, and we are trying to find solutions where we can for market disruptions.”

Complete results of the survey will also be shared across Ohio’s food sector to allow commodity groups and organizations to work with their members directly to discuss the challenges being seen in their part of the industry due to COVID-19.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].