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.