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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].
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
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.
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.
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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