Rally for Ohio's Issue 2 Draws Large Group of Supporters
Constitutional amendment garners strong showing by farmers, politicians and consumers.
Compiled by staff
Published: Oct 16, 2009
This November, Ohio voters will deal with Issue 2, a constitutional amendment with profound implications for the state's livestock and crop farmers and their compatriots nationwide. Voters will decide if the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board should be established. The board would be made up of Ohio livestock producers, scientists, academics, local animal welfare representative and consumers, and would determine how animals will be raised within the state's borders.
While a number of states – most recently California – have established inflexible and impractical rules for how livestock are housed, Ohio has chosen not to negotiate with outside interests that have a political agenda and rather take the issue to the public. It's that same public who would feel the pain if the state's number one industry is hampered to operate their businesses in a way that is both productive and practical.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Ohio farmers, livestock producers, politicians and consumers gathered at the state's 4-H Center to rally in support of Issue 2, which offers the promise of safe, locally grown food to consumers and continued viability for agriculture in the Buckeye state.
Dwayne Siekman, executive director of the Ohio Corn Growers Association said, "We need to be involved to insure production practices are based on sound science and the ability to utilize technology for farmers today and in the future."
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Tagged: livestock producers, 4-H, Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
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