AGGPAC: Designating a ‘Friend of Agriculture’
Learn more about the process for determining the Friend of Agriculture designation and why some offices receive no designation.
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Learn more about the Ohio Farm Bureau Agriculture for Good Government Political Action Committee Friend of Agriculture designation and why some offices receive no designation.
How does AGGPAC designate Friends of Agriculture?
The Friend of Agriculture designation recognizes Ohio General Assembly and U.S. congressional candidates for their views on issues of importance to agriculture, and for their alignment with Farm Bureau policy.
In open seat screenings where the incumbent is not seeking re-election, both candidates, one candidate, or neither candidate in a race can receive this designation after being screened by a committee of Farm Bureau members from counties within that district. A different process is used to evaluate Ohio Supreme Court candidates (see below).
Are statewide executive level offices screened?
AGGPAC does not traditionally engage in the executive office races (governor, secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, treasurer). Additionally, AGGPAC does not endorse U.S. presidential candidates.
How are incumbents evaluated?
Incumbents are evaluated based on their voting record, an issue survey and county Farm Bureau member input on incumbents’ level of engagement. For incumbents to be considered for the designation, they must have a satisfactory voting record on Ohio Farm Bureau Key Votes. The other two components of their evaluation include satisfactory completion of Ohio Farm Bureau’s incumbent survey and a positive review by county Farm Bureaus. Since incumbents have a voting record and performance history, AGGPAC does not interview candidates who are challenging an incumbent.
How are open seat races handled?
County Farm Bureaus hold local screenings for Ohio General Assembly and congressional candidates to determine Friends of Agriculture. After a group of Farm Bureau members from within the district interview both candidates and discuss priority issues focused on agriculture-specific policy, the screening committee can recommend one candidate, both candidates, or neither candidate.
Are Ohio Supreme Court candidates reviewed?
Yes. When a judge seeks election to the Ohio Supreme Court, AGGPAC reviews the candidates’ rulings and opinions in cases relevant to Ohio Farm Bureau policy. Based on applicable case review by the committee, Friend of Agriculture designations are awarded to Ohio Supreme Court candidates.
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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