This letter was submitted to local papers today.
Dear Editor:
As the wife of a fourth-generation family farmer, I understand the importance of agriculture in our state. Therefore, voting yes for Ohio Issue 2 is imperative in order to protect an industry that contributes $93 billion annually to our state’s economy and that affords consumers with valuable options at the grocery store.
A yes vote for issue 2 on November 3, 2009, will create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. This board will be comprised of 13 Ohioans, including the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, three family farmers, two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, two members representing statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college, and two consumers. These individuals will work together to assure a safe, locally grown food supply, to determine the best course of action for livestock care, and to protect the viability of Ohio agriculture.
I value Ohio agriculture and support Ohio Issue 2. Like you, I appreciate the choices we have as consumers in selecting safe and wholesome food products for my family. By establishing a board of experts to make decisions for Ohio livestock production, we can ensure that the food we buy is grown as local as possible and is not shipped in from out of state or out of the country. Issue 2 is a step to protect our state’s family farmers and is a step to keep Ohio agriculture strong.
Ohio Issue 2 makes sense for family farmers and consumers alike. You can learn more about it at www.ohiolivestockcare.com. This is our time to take ownership of how our food is grown. Vote yes on November 3.
Sincerely,
Rose Hartschuh
Bloomville
