The Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities 2026 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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A large contingent of Ohio Farm Bureau members gathered at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus Feb.18 for the organization’s annual Ag Day at the Capital, meeting one-on-one with state legislators and staff to discuss policy priorities impacting Ohio’s farms and rural communities.
During the event, Ohio Farm Bureau unveiled its 2026 priority issues, including the preservation of Ohio’s farmland, smart and sound land use legislation, transparency and uniformity on the critical Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program, and further investment of Ohio’s food supply chain. Members also discussed a range of community-specific and agriculture-related issues with their representatives and leaders.
“The priority issues laid out by our members, through our grassroots policy process, provide a blueprint for leaders and policymakers to bolster and support Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Being able to convey these important messages directly with lawmakers is something that our members don’t take for granted, and to be able to give them access to do that is a prime example of what this organization is all about.”
Through meetings with lawmakers, members advocated in support of House Bills 575 and 646. Introduced by Reps. David Thomas and Bob Peterson, HB 575 brings many small, needed changes and uniformity to CAUV, while HB 646, introduced by Reps. Kellie Deeter and Gary Click, creates a statewide study commission on the impacts of data centers, the environment and other related issues. Both pieces of legislation are aligned with Ohio Farm Bureau policy and would further support Ohio agriculture.
Ag Day attendees also heard from American Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis John Newton, Ph.D, Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson and Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp.
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]
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
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.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
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.
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