Agriculture

As Ohio’s first Senator on the Agriculture Committee in more than forty years, I am honored to represent our state’s farmers. With the final passage of the 2008 farm bill—a historic piece of legislation that determines America’s farm and food policy—I was pleased to see a bill that supports Ohio’s farmers and invests in rural communities.

I was happy to help secure six major provisions that will strengthen agriculture in Ohio. These provisions improve and reform the farm safety-net, support rural communities, promote renewable energy, encourage healthy diets, and protect natural resources.

The Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program in particular will benefit Ohio farmers. This program allows farmers to choose between traditional farm programs and a new program that protects against drops in yield or prices – a critical issue for farmers in an uncertain farm economy.

I am especially proud that the 2008 farm bill recognizes the importance of Ohio’s rural communities.  The bill expands rural development programs and provides funding for rural broadband access, water infrastructure, and a new microenterprise program that provides assistance and loans to entrepreneurs to help start businesses in rural areas.

Ohio agriculture has experienced unprecedented change, but the values of Ohio’s farmers – hard work and stewardship of the land – have remained steadfast. Ohio agriculture has a rich history and a bright future. It is a privilege to work on behalf of Ohio farmers to help grow our agricultural prosperity.

Views from Ohio

Tell the Senator Your View

  1. What's Your Opinion?

    I agree with the Senator's position
    I disagree with the Senator's position

  2. Your Information

    To process your request we need your name, e-mail address and zip code for verification.

     

Related Press

At Ohio State Fair, Brown Sees Cow Descended from His Family Farm »
Brown Tours Ohio State Fair »
Brown Tours Akron-Canton Foodbank As Center Releases New Data On Rise In Regional Need For Food Assistance »
Brown, Voinovich Announce Senate Appropriations Committee Approval of More Than $220,000 for Fish Disease Study at University of Toledo »
Brown, Voinovich Announce Senate Appropriations Committee Approval of Nearly $500,000 for Ohio-Israel Agriculture Initiative »
More News

Related Legislation

S. 3422 A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the establishment of a traceability system for food, and for other purposes.
S. 3267 A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for improved public health and food safety through enhanced enforcement, and for other purposes.
All Legislation