Ohio House GOP: Agriculture

April 16, 2012

Column from Representative Al Landis: Positive Changes to Help Ohio’s Farmers

While the cost of operating farms in the state of Ohio has continued to increase, the ability for farmers to receive loans, as well as the funding available to help the state’s farms, have become outdated and ineffective.

Since being created in 1985, the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program has loaned about $2.8 billion in assistance to 40,000 Ohio farmers. Obviously, this funding has helped the state’s largest industry maintain high productivity and has assisted farmers in keeping up with their input costs. During that time, however, the program has undergone very few changes to bring it up-to-date with today’s costs, forcing many farmers to either search for further funding avenues or to reduce the scope of their operations.

For these reasons, it was clear that the Ag Linked Deposit Program needed to be upgraded in order to stay current with what farmers pay for things like machinery, pesticides and fertilizer. To address these concerns, the Ohio House in January passed House Bill 415, which increases the available funding that is coming out of the program. State funding to the program would increase from $125 million to $165 million annually and individual loan amounts would jump from $100,000 to $150,000 per application. Again, these funding increases were necessary due to rising costs sparked by inflation, and considering that the last major change to the program took place in 2002, obvious discrepancies had taken hold.

Another positive feature of the legislation is lowering the interest rates on these loans, which can lead to greater savings for farmers, especially over time. Those savings will allow Ohio’s farmers to invest more resources and capital into their businesses, increase hiring and improve the economy.

The bill received bipartisan support in the House, as well as from multiple agricultural organizations, notably the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association and the Ohio AgriBusiness Association. The changes made in this bill go a long way toward helping our state’s small, locally owned farms and businesses.

March 14, 2012

Hill Announces Legislation to Address Exotic Animal Ownership

State Representative Brian Hill (R-Zanesville) today introduced legislation at the Ohio House of Representatives to regulate the ownership of certain wild and dangerous animals in Ohio.

The bill would ban ownership of large carnivores and reptiles such as lions, tigers, elephants, komodo dragons and crocodiles starting January 1, 2014. The bill also has provisions regarding restricted primates and restricted snakes.

“It became all the more evident from the recent incident with exotic animals in Zanesville, that something had to be done,” Representative Hill said. “Senator Balderson and I have worked together and agree with the direction of this legislation and have the shared goal of protecting Ohioans from such a tragic event occurring again. Little to no regulation for those who own these kinds of dangerous and wild animals is unacceptable. This bill is a common-sense fix that will ensure the safety of both the public, as well as the animals.”

Ohio currently has no regulations pertaining to the ownership of exotic animals, although the United States Department of Agriculture issues licenses to those wishing to breed or exhibit such animals. If that license is revoked, the owner likely reverts to being a private owner with no further consequences. This means that someone who owns one of the animals as a pet is not subject to any specific regulation at the state or federal level.

The new legislation sponsored by Representative Hill is companion legislation to Senate Bill 310, which Senator Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville) recently introduced. It is awaiting a bill number.

March 13, 2012

Ohio House Passes Legislation to Encourage Growth in Agricultural Businesses

The Ohio House of Representatives today unanimously passed House Bill 415, which modifies Ohio’s Agricultural Linked Deposit Program. The bill supports the state’s agricultural community by permitting the Treasurer of State to invest in eligible lending institutions that then lend money to an eligible agricultural business at a reduced interest rate.

Sponsored by State Representatives Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) and Brian Hill (R-Zanesville), the legislation would increase the maximum amount that the treasurer may invest in agricultural linked deposits from $125 million to $165 million. It also would increase the maximum amount that can be loaned from $100,000 per application to $150,000 per application.

“I am pleased to sponsor this bill, along with Representative Hill, for farmers in every corner of Ohio,” Representative Sprague said. “Because of the rising costs of farm inputs, this bill allows farmers the opportunity to combat rising costs with low interest rate loans.”

The increased amounts are recommended by the Treasurer of State because of the growth of the state’s investment portfolio and will serve to boost Ohio’s agricultural community. By increasing the maximum low-interest loan amount to $150,000 per applicant, farmers will be able to increase investment in their businesses, creating more jobs for Ohioans.

“This pro-jobs legislation is needed to help grow Ohio’s economy by helping those in the agriculture industry to start up or expand their farming business,” Representative Hill said. “As a co-owner of my family farm in Muskingum County, I know the benefits the Ag-LINK program has provided to many farming businesses.”

House Bill 415 will update the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program to keep up with the rising cost of farm inputs and make it easier for Ohio farmers to take advantage of it. The dollars that are loaned through the program become direct investment in communities across Ohio through purchasing of equipment, feed, supplies, and seeds.

House Bill 415 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

March 5, 2012

Column from Rep. Ross McGregor: Recognizing the Invaluable Work of Farmers

The United States has a rich agricultural history dating back to its founding. The idea that this country was built from the ground up, forged from the hard work of men and women pouring themselves into the work of cultivating the land, is a point of pride for Americans. These men and women were the nation’s earliest farmers, and farming was not merely a profession. It was a lifestyle.

The U.S. agricultural industry has made great strides since its humble beginnings. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture there are 2.2 million farms in the United States. Farmers have played a crucial role in advancing the prosperity of the nation and continue to do so today.

The role of a farmer is unique. There is a special sense of accomplishment when the fruits of your labor literally become the fruits that sustain the population. This pride resonates nowhere more vibrantly than in the hearts of Midwesterners.

Ohio’s agricultural reputation precedes itself. Ohioans have been living off the land for more than two centuries and today Ohio remains one of the nation’s leaders in agriculture. Though the tools used to maintain a farming operation in the 21st century are ever-evolving, the character that defines farmers has gone unchanged. These dedicated, hard-working, knowledgeable individuals are the backbone of the farming industry, and the keystone of the state’s economy.

Though daily recognition and gratitude toward those in the farming community would be more befitting, I am especially excited that this month the state of Ohio publicly recognizes the vitally important role that agriculture plays in Ohio. March 11th-17th is Ohio Agriculture Week.

Ohio’s agriculture industry generates about $98 billion per year and employs one in seven Ohioans, making it the state’s leading industry. Ohio ranks first nationally in the production of swiss cheese, second in egg production, third in tomatoes and fifth in the production of maple syrup. Ohio is also fifth in the nation in soybean and sweet corn production, sixth in cucumbers and seventh in the number of chickens sold. You cannot separate agriculture from the overall culture of the state of Ohio. They are inherently intertwined.

The agricultural industry not only produces good crops, but also great jobs for Ohioans. The 1,100 processing facilities across the state employ more than 60,000 workers. Each family farm in Ohio indirectly creates job opportunities for neighbors in and around their communities. This is certainly true in our own backyard. There are 730 farms in Clark County alone. These farms cover 178,000 acres across the county and bring an average of more than $100 million into the county each year.

Ohio has a hefty crop of dedicated farmers that have shaped the character of the state throughout Ohio’s history. Ohio Agriculture Week is a fantastic opportunity to applaud Ohio’s farmers for all of the great work that they have done and the countless ways they contribute to the prosperity of the state.

February 15, 2012

Dominic Marchese of Farmdale Appointed to Livestock Care Standards Board

State Representative Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpont) has announced that Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) appointed Farmdale resident Dominic Marchese to serve on the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Marchese is the owner of Manna Farms and also raises beef cattle, chickens and hay.

“Mr. Marchese will be a good representative of family farmers while serving on the Livestock Care Standards Board,” Rep. Kozlowski said. “As the owner and operator of a local farm for nearly four decades, he has the experience necessary to help maintain strong family farms and healthy, happy livestock.”

The Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with conducting a review of the rules governing the care and well-being of livestock, with special consideration for biosecurity, the prevention of disease, animal morbidity and mortality data, food safety practices, the protection of local, affordable food supplies for consumers, veterinary medical practices, ethical standards established by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the best management practices for the care of livestock.

January 17, 2012

Ohio Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Encourage Growth of Agricultural Businesses

State Representatives Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) and Brian Hill (R-Zanesville) recently introduced legislation to modify the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program, which supports Ohio’s agricultural community by permitting the Ohio Treasurer of State to invest in eligible lending institutions that then lend money to an eligible agricultural business at a reduced interest rate.

Specifically, House Bill 415 will increase the maximum amount that the treasurer may invest in agricultural linked deposits from $125 million to $165 million. It also would increase the maximum amount that can be loaned from $100,000 per application to $150,000 per application.

These increased amounts are recommended by the Treasurer of State due to the growth of the state’s investment portfolio and will serve to boost Ohio’s agricultural community.

"The Treasurer of State's Ag-Link Deposit Program enables our state to provide low-interest working capital loans that help farmers and the agricultural community,” said Representative Sprague. “This bill will update the program to keep up with the rising cost of farm inputs, and the new limits will ensure the program is relevant in future years."

“This pro-jobs legislation is needed to help address the needs of the agriculture industry, a crucial component of Ohio’s economy,” Representative Hill said. “By increasing the maximum low-interest loan amount to $150,000 per applicant, farmers will be able to increase investment in their businesses. This translates to more jobs for Ohioans and will grow the economy.”

Reps. Sprague and Hill unveiled the legislation at a press conference with State Senator Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City)—who sponsored the companion legislation, Senate Bill 281—and representatives from the Ohio Treasurer of State’s office and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

“With this legislation, the State of Ohio can continue to build upon the already 40,000 farmers that this program has helped over the past 25 years,” said Senator Beagle. “The dollars that are loaned through the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program become direct investment in communities across Ohio through purchasing of equipment, feed, supplies, and seeds.”

“Ag-LINK seasonal startup loans can help farmers invest in much needed supplies like feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel that are crucial to a successful business. Ohio farmers deal with enough red tape, and that's why we have streamlined and improved the program over the years,” said Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, whose office administers the Ag-LINK program. “This legislation will help codify some of these important changes going forward, which should make it easier for more Ohio farmers to take advantage of Ag-LINK.”

"Expansion of the Ag-LINK program has long been supported by the Ohio Farm Bureau and our farmer members,” said Beth Vanderkooi, Director of State Policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Sprague and Hill, Senator Beagle and Treasurer Mandel in helping to make the program more accessible to Ohio's farmers. We look forward to working with legislative leadership and stand with our colleagues in agriculture in urging swift passage of H.B. 415 and S.B. 281."

House Bill 415 will now be assigned to a House committee.

December 13, 2011

Ohio House Passes Bill to Redefine Agriculture to Include Algae Production

State Representatives Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) and Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) today announced the unanimous passage of House Bill 276 from the Ohio House of Representatives.

House Bill 276, which Buchy and Gentile jointly sponsored, clarifies the definition of agriculture as it pertains to Ohio zoning laws, a change that will enable farmers to use farm byproducts for bio-energy production without cumbersome regulations that currently deter this environmentally friendly activity. The bill also adds algaculture to the definition of agriculture, clarifying the farming of algae as an agricultural process under Ohio law.

“By including algaculture under Ohio agricultural law, we are promoting Ohio as a state committed to new forms of agriculture,” said Buchy. “Potential expansion of the industry in Ohio is expected and jobs will be available as the industry expands.”

House Bill 276 defines the production of bio-energy from anaerobic digesters as agriculture in nature if at least 50 percent of the feedstock that was used to produce the fuel was derived from land under common ownership. This advancement will allow farmers to use anaerobic digesters as a part of a nutrient management plan or to consume any other agricultural organic byproduct.

“This bill is about being green,” Gentile said. “By using more of our agricultural products available on the farm, we are keeping the excess nutrients from polluting our environment. As energy sources become scarce, Ohio agriculture can be the source of renewable product replacements.”

House Bill 276 also defines algaculture—the farming of algae—in the Ohio Revised Code as agriculture. Algae can be harvested from controlled water sources and turned into fuels, plastics, pharmaceuticals and many other products. The vote today was the first step in Ohio’s potential move to be the first state in the country to recognize algaculture as an agricultural process.

"This bill encourages economic growth and seeks to protect our environment by using agricultural products in new ways,” said Gentile. “Algaculture has the potential to remove phosphorous from water before it reaches larger bodies of water and affects recreation and natural habitats.”

In House Bill 276, algaculture is defined throughout the Ohio Revised Code to be treated as an agricultural commodity. Algae thrive off nutrients commonly known to pollute rural waterways. The advancements of algaculture and anaerobic digesters are expected to aid in the cleanup of Ohio water by aiding in the removal of phosphorous and other nutrients.

“In western Ohio we are taking water quality seriously,” Buchy said. “The farming of non-toxic algae in a controlled environment and the use of anaerobic digesters will aid in keeping phosphorous out of our rivers and streams. For farmers in Mercer, Darke, Shelby, and Auglaize counties, digesters and algae ponds will go hand-in-hand to keep nutrients out of Grand Lake St. Marys and keep algae from growing in places that we don’t want it.”

House Bill 276 will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

December 2, 2011

Sprague to Host Informational Session on Livestock Care Standards

State Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) has announced that he will be hosting an informational session for area farmers and livestock owners to learn about Ohio’s new livestock care standards.

Joining Representative Sprague will be Interim Director Toney Forshey from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Executive Director Michael Bailey.

The event will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8th at the Hardin County Fairgrounds Community Building. Guests are asked to RSVP to Megan Burke at (614) 466-3819.

“This is an excellent opportunity for those who will be affected by the livestock care regulations to come out and learn exactly what the new rules are and why,” Representative Sprague said.

The livestock care standards became effective September 29, 2011 and govern all aspects of animal care, including feed, water, housing, equipment, management, transportation, and health.

October 25, 2011

Column from Rep. Kozlowski: CAUV for Farmland is Essential

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend a meeting of the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau with more than 600 farmers in attendance. It was great to be able to talk with these farmers and hear from them about the issues that they face. Agriculture is Ohio’s No. 1 industry, contributing more than $107 billion to our state economy. One of the most prevalent issues on the minds of those who I talked to was the amount they were paying in property taxes.

One specific concern that I heard a lot about is the rising rates for CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Valuation). CAUV allows farmland to be taxed based on its agricultural worth, rather than its appraised value. The program helps preserve farmland by ensuring that taxes are based on the income potential of the land, not the value it would earn if it were to be sold for development. Although it is state law that authorizes CAUV, the program—not the rates—is administered by the county auditor.

Every six years, the county auditors are required to reappraise every parcel of land in Ohio and then do an update every three years. Under CAUV, a formula is used to set the values of Ohio’s roughly 3,500 soil types based on crop patterns, crop prices, crop yield, non-land production costs and capitalization rates. In times of high crop prices and low capitalization rates—like right now—CAUV rates will rise. The county auditors simply apply the values as they implement the program.

The fact of the matter is that I do not like anyone having to pay more in taxes, most especially during difficult economic times. Certainly, while the rate of increase in CAUV land values does not necessarily translate to the same rate of increase in taxes owed by the landowner (because of tax credits and other factors), this distinction becomes more difficult to see when faced with a higher property tax bill. The reality, however, is that CAUV values remain substantially lower than the fair market value, making the program both an exceptional value and essential to farmers. Moreover, CAUV is not intended to ensure farmers pay as few taxes as possible on their land, but that the taxes they pay reflect the agricultural production value of the land.

As your State Representative, one thing that I can do is help farmers in the 99th District to ensure that agricultural lands are being appropriately valued. Every year an advisory committee meets to give input to the Ohio Tax Commissioner. In recent years, modifications have been made to the formula to make it more consistent and fair. Working with farmers in my district and organizations like the Ohio Farm Bureau, we can ensure that farmland continues to be taxed in a fair and reasonable way.

My thanks go out to all the farmers I was able to speak with about CAUV and other issues while at the meeting. As your state representative, I will continue to seek out ways of helping the farmers in our community and ensuring that agriculture can remain our No. 1 industry.

August 1, 2011

Column from Speaker Batchelder in the Post: See you at the fair

The Post Papers, 7/26

With the Medina County Fair taking place this week from Aug. 1 through the 7, it is sure to be bustling around here. Year after year, I have made my way to the fairgrounds to take in all the activities and displays, and this year is no exception. I hope that you and your family will make it there as well.

County fairs have a special significance in our state, serving as a true reflection of what Ohio is all about. Aside from the shows, food and other attractions, these fairs are an excellent way for our community to support our young people who participate in 4-H and FFA programs. That's why I make it there every year and purchase a hog in support of our local agriculture.

Many people do not realize that 4-H originated here in Ohio, but it is no wonder with the importance that agriculture has played to our state's economy for so many years. In fact, more than half of Ohio's land is considered prime farmland. Today, agribusiness is one of the most prominent industries in Ohio, contributing $93 billion to the state economy. Whether it's because of our Swiss cheese or some Campbell's soup made from Ohio tomatoes, agribusiness provides jobs to one out of every seven Ohioans.

The Ohio House continues to seek ways of promoting agriculture for our state. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is one of the busiest at the statehouse, having met more often and passed more bills than three separate committees during the previous General Assembly.

In order for Ohio to continue to benefit from agriculture, we need to get our young people involved and interested in it at a young age. 4-H and FFA play a significant role in this. I encourage you to watch a livestock show or stop by the many displays of craftsmanship, sewing, and art at the fair.

While most of us are out on vacations or relaxing this summer, many of Medina County's youngsters are working hard to ensure our fair can be one of the most enjoyable in the state. Day after day, they are working with their animals, quizzing themselves on all they need to know to be successful, and finding new ways of teaching the public something that we do not already know.

By attending the fair, we are supporting Medina County while also honoring our state's rich agricultural heritage. Ohio is blessed with favorable farming conditions that we are continuing to capitalize on. Regardless of the hot weather, I hope you'll join me at the fair to celebrate the success of this industry and our young people.

http://thepostnewspapers.com/opinion/copy_of_batchelder-s-column-wadsworth-7-30

July 15, 2011

Governor Signs Buchy’s Omnibus Agriculture Legislation

State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today attended the ceremonial signing of House Bill 229, which will make a number of changes to Ohio law in order to allow for added flexibility, interaction and efficiency in the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s regulatory interactions.

The provisions for the bill were developed in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Director Zehringer (Fort Recovery). These provisions are all part of a plan to bring agri-business and jobs to Ohio.

Representative Buchy said, “I was pleased to work with leadership on both sides of the isle to make these needed revisions to Ohio law. The updates will be an asset to the Department of Agriculture and encourage agri-business to grow in Ohio.”

Among other measures, House Bill 229 will:

• Enable the Ohio Grape Industry to provide local producers with grape plants, grape vines, equipment and material to assist in the production of grapes and grape products.

• Renames three existing divisions in the Department of Agriculture to allow for reorganization of the roles within the department.

• Provides an alternative option for the permitting of major concentrated feeding facilities when local governments have not formerly submitted final recommendations within 75 days of initial notification of application for a permit

• Add dissolution by alkaline hydrolysis to the existing forms of disposal that an owner must use when disposing of a dead animal

• Revise the exemption from retail food establishment licensure for certain nonprofit organizations that raise funds by selling foods

• Prohibit a licensed livestock dealer or broker from employing a person whose dealer’s or broker’s license was revoked or is suspended

House Bill 229 was introduced in May and received strong bipartisan support in the legislature.

Boose Applauds Committee’s Accomplishments in the First Six Months

With the passage of a fiscally balanced biennial budget and the first six months of the 129th General Assembly completed, State Representative Terry Boose (R-Norwalk) today applauded the Ohio House of Representatives for its diligent work in considering numerous bills that will improve the quality of life in Ohio.

As a member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Boose commended the hard work of the committee to promote one of Ohio’s most prominent economic sectors.

“The 58th Ohio House District is predominantly covered by farmland, so preserving the family farms in Huron, Seneca and Lorain counties continues to be one of my top priorities in Columbus,” he said. “The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee truly recognizes that agriculture is an economic driver of the state economy and has made sure to meet on a regular basis to give each bill careful consideration.”

Since the beginning of the 129th General Assembly, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held 17 committee hearings and passed 14 bills out of committee. Of those 14 pieces of legislation, 10 passed on the House floor and six were eventually signed by the governor. Additionally, three of the bills passed by the committee also enjoyed primary co-sponsorship by members of the House Democratic Caucus.

“The bottom line is that with the House Republican Caucus leading the People’s House, this committee did as much work as three committees (Alternative Energy; Environment & Brownfield; Agriculture & Natural Resources) under the previous Democrat administration and met more often than all three combined,” Boose said. “This shows that under capable leadership, the Ohio House has the ability to truly get the job done, conserve tax dollars and do what we as legislators were elected to do. This House is about delivering results to the people of Ohio.”

In general, the Ohio House has held twice as many session days during the 129th General Assembly than during the previous Legislature. Eighty-one bills passed from the House—versus 23 bills during the 128th General Assembly—with much stronger bipartisanship (14 bills with Democratic co-sponsors passed during this General Assembly, versus zero Republican bills during the 128th General Assembly).

Rep. Boose said that he looks forward to continuing the work of the people and improving the quality of life for Ohioans.

June 21, 2011

Bubp announces livestock liability legislation is signed into law

State Representative Danny R. Bubp (R-West Union) today attended Governor Kasich’s bill signing of House Bill 22, which revises laws regarding civil and criminal penalties levied against livestock owners.

House Bill 22 ensures that livestock owners whose animals are intentionally set free by an unauthorized person opening a gate or cutting a fence would not be held criminally liable for failing to keep their livestock from running at large. Previously, a livestock owner would have been charged criminally for circumstances beyond their control, regardless of how responsible the owner is.

“House Bill 22 will clarify the duty of care for animal owners and yield a balanced approach to the problem of animals running at large,” Rep. Bubp said.

According to House Bill 22, in cases where animals escape due to a storm or a neighborhood prank, the owner will not be criminally liable if proven that he or she acted in a reasonably prudent manner to prevent or rectify the escape. Alternatively, liability will be imposed if the animal owner or keeper fails to maintain barns, fences and gates or does not respond to the knowledge that the animals are at large.

House Bill 22 had passed from the House in February with unanimous support. It was introduced at the request of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

May 19, 2011

Rep. Bob Peterson featured on Ohio in Focus

Rep. Bob Peterson is featured on Ohio in Focus.

May 17, 2011

Reps. Adams and Hall highlight substitute bill on state lands leasing legislation

State Representatives John Adams (R-Sidney) and Dave Hall (R-Millersburg) today announced the introduction of Substitute House Bill 133 in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. The substitute bill encompasses positive changes to the legislation that will create the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission and will establish a procedure by which the commission may enter into leases for oil and gas production on land owned or under the control of a state agency for the purpose of providing funding for capital improvements for the agency.

“Ohio is currently in the midst of experiencing an economic downturn,” said Representative Adams, the sponsor of the legislation. “While we are in the process of closing an estimated $8 billion budget shortfall, Ohio must find proactive solutions to provide the state additional revenues. State lands leasing would also create new jobs for Ohio workers and new economic opportunities for Ohio businesses.”

After numerous committee meetings and hours of testimony, stakeholders worked tirelessly to address issues that arose since the introduction of the legislation. Some of the changes include a system in which each state-owned land will be classified into a category, which will assist the state agency and the commission with properly determining which lands will be most suitable for oil and gas leasing.

Sub. House Bill 133 will maintain its efforts to provide funding for our state agencies to assist in capital costs, which include equipment, renovations and repairs of facilities, and acquisition of additional lands.

“It’s important to note that this substitute bill is a refined version of H.B. 133,” said Representative Dave Hall, Chairman of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. “We’ve implemented substantial improvements and safeguards that will benefit Ohioans. Most notably, the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission will act as an advocate of the people. With regard to leasing, this substitute bill ensures that public land managers retain the authority to approve the development of their respective lands. It is imperative and in the best interest of Ohio that these managers control their property in coordination with the state and federal government.”

Sub. House Bill 133 will now undergo extensive consideration in committee.

March 14, 2011

Derickson attends ceremonial signing of “Agriculture Week” bill

State Representative Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.) recently attended Governor John Kasich’s signing of House Bill 89 into Ohio law. This legislation designates the second full week of March as Ohio Agriculture Week to honor the state’s agriculture community.

“As a dairy farmer in Butler County for many years, I have a sincere appreciation for Ohio agriculture,” said Derickson, who also serves as vice-chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “This legislation will recognize and celebrate the many contributions that Ohio’s agriculture communities make to enhance the quality of life not only in our state, but throughout the country.”

Among friends and family who were in attendance at the signing of House Bill 89 were Chairman of House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Dave Hall (R-Millersburg), Director of legislative relations for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Chris Henney, and Director of Ohio Department of Agriculture Jim Zehringer.

“While it is important that we recognize the men and women who dedicate their lives to growing crops and livestock, it is of equal importance that we educate Ohio’s consumers regarding this important industry,” said Henney. “This legislation should help do both.”

“Agriculture is Ohio’s leading industry, generating some $98 billion per year from farm to dinner plate,” said Zehringer, “The Ohio Department of Agriculture applauds this legislation and Representative Derickson’s efforts to raise the profile of agriculture in Ohio.”

February 16, 2011

“Agriculture Week” legislation passes from the Ohio House

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.) announced that House Bill 89, which would designate the second full week of March as Ohio Agriculture Week, has passed from the Ohio House of Representatives.

“As a dairy farmer in Butler County for many years, I have a sincere appreciation for Ohio agriculture,” said Derickson, who serves as the vice chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “This bill will celebrate and recognize the many contributions that Ohio’s farmers make to enhance the quality of life not only in our state, but throughout the country.”

This legislation has received the support of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Cattleman’s Association, the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, the Ohio Poultry Association, the Ohio Pork Producers Association, the Ohio Soy Bean Association, the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, the Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, the Ohio Wine Producers Association, and the Ohio Grocers Association.

House Bill 89 passed unanimously from the House and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

“It is my hope that HB 89 moves as quickly through the Senate as it did in the House so that March of 2011 will mark the first annual Ohio Agriculture Week!” said Derickson.

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