The Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities 2025 Action Plan
The plan provides a blueprint for policymakers and Ohio Farm Bureau members to bolster Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities.
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Farmers and those within the agricultural industry have unique technological needs but continue to lack consistent broadband access. The state is calling for ideas as it creates a five-year plan to steer future broadband expansion efforts, and Farm Bureau would like to make sure members have a seat at the table.
The Cleveland Foundation is working with Broadband Ohio as the lead for northeast Ohio as part of their Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance program. You are invited to a listening session to share your perspective on high-speed internet access in your area and learn more about BroadbandOhio’s efforts to close the digital divide in Ohio. Join BroadbandOhio April 20 in Youngstown (more information below).
Your voice is critical to ensuring broadband is available and accessible in your community, and we are excited to share information about what state and federal funding programs mean to you. The agendas are provided below. Please attend the session most relevant to you.
Infrastructure Focused Session
Please also note that this session is more infrastructure focused and is separate from the listening sessions that The Cleveland Foundation is holding in partnership with Broadband Ohio, which are digital equity-focused. Information on those sessions is below.
April 20, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments (Youngstown)
100 E. Federal St. #1000, Youngstown, Ohio 44503
- 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. – Listening session for businesses and internet service providers
- 1 p.m – 2:15 p.m. – Listening session for local government
- 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. – Listening session for nonprofits and community organizations
- 4 p.m.- 5 p.m. – Listening session for Ohio residents
Digital Inclusion-Focused Sessions
The Cleveland Foundation, in partnership with BroadbandOhio, is pleased to announce its first digital inclusion listening sessions for Northeast Ohio. Digital Inclusion refers to being able to use digital devices such as computers or smartphones and the internet.
April 18, Avon Branch of Lorain Public Library
37485 Harvest Drive, Avon, OH 44011
- 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. – Listening session for businesses and internet service providers
- 1 p.m .- 2:15 p.m. – Listening session for local government
- 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. – Listening session for nonprofits and community organizations
- 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Listening session for Ohio residents
April 21, TBD
Details coming soon
Additional Info
- While each group has a defined slot, there is flexibility to attend whichever session is convenient for your schedule.
- We encourage you to invite any individuals or organizations that fit the above categories to attend.
- Admission is FREE and open to the public.
- These listening sessions hosted by BroadbandOhio are part of a broader effort in collaboration with the Regional Digital Inclusion Alliances to collect input from Ohioans as we plan for upcoming funding opportunities to close the digital divide.
- If you require accessibility accommodations, please email BroadbandOhio at [email protected]
How Can You Help?
- Attend the listening session in your area! We want to hear from you. Your story matters and can make a huge impact!
- Spread the word! Sharing this post is greatly appreciated. The more people we hear from, the better.
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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