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Delegates discussed many topics impacting agriculture including farmland preservation, local foods, and succession planning at the 107th Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Dec. 11-12 in Columbus.

Debate and discussion to set the next year’s policy agenda was completed by nearly 340 delegates representing Ohio’s 88 counties. 

The delegates spent significant time discussing property taxes, landing on policy that strongly supports the reform of the property tax system along with addressing the inflationary pressure, while recognizing the importance of CAUV to preserving farmland.

The organization voted to oppose the outright elimination of property taxes, due to concerns about the unknowns and the potential to increase agriculture’s overall tax burden, the impact on rural communities, and the loss of local control. 

New policy also included discussions of land use and zoning, with support for more direct citizen involvement in zoning changes and maintaining local control of zoning of short-term rentals. Delegates proposed national policy that supports labeling of media generated through artificial intelligence and support for new uses of agricultural products.

“The delegates representing their county Farm Bureaus understand how important their job is at this meeting to set the advocacy positions of the state’s largest general farm organization,” said Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Policy Jack Irvin. “The discussions over these last two days not only shape our advocacy agenda, but demonstrate the importance of our grassroots process.” 

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].