Business Climate

Ensuring a Competitive Business Environment

Farm Bureau is hard at work advocating for rural broadband access, competitive tax policies, and fighting against burdensome regulations. Farm Bureau advocates for increased marketing home and abroad, from ensuring direct marketing operations have reasonable regulation to expanding international trading opportunities.

Here are some ways we have worked to support businesses.

Ohio Farm Bureau members support maple syrup legislation

Introduced by Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), the bill would add trees cultivated for maple syrup production to Ohio’s statutory definition of agriculture.

Ohio Farm Bureau shares members’ concerns with Joint Data Center Committee

Ohio Farm Bureau shared members’ concerns about the rapid growth of data centers across the state and the long-term impacts on agriculture and rural communities.

Ohio Farm Bureau supports expanded access to E15 on Ohio Turnpike

Ohio Farm Bureau testified in support of House Bill 773, legislation that would allow Ohio Turnpike travel plazas to offer E15.

What EPA’s new DEF guidance means for farmers

EPA released new guidance allowing diesel equipment manufacturers to move away from traditional DEF quality sensors and use alternative technologies, such as nitrous oxide sensors.

Ohio Farm Bureau testifies in support of House Bill 646

House Bill 646 would establish a Data Center Study Commission to examine the impact of rapid data center development across the state.

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.

Legal with Leah: The questions around data centers

Leah Curtis joins this Legal with Leah to talk about what data centers mean for local communities and how to stay engaged in the development process

Recent H-2A program impacts aim to steady farm labor costs, needs

A recent state budget fix and a federal rule reform to H-2A have resulted in some relief for farmers who use the guest worker program.

Legal with Leah: Understanding the Change to Ohio’s Pesticide Law

Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for a change in the law to allow family members and employees to handle pesticides while under the supervision of a licensed applicator. The rules around HB 10 are being finalized.

Legal with Leah: Insight on Recent Property Tax Legislation

Four property tax reform bills were signed into Ohio law at the end of 2025. Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis breaks down the bills and what the changes mean for Ohioans.