Policy Issues
Farm and Food policy issues are at the heart of our organization. In order to support community based food systems, policies need to be:
- Addressing the Farmers and the Consumers Needs (farmers of all sizes)
- Ground Ready (Many policies are written top down- this is a problem. Legislatures are not working on the ground everyday and are not aware of how policies can affect day to day operations)
- Scaled for Communities. Policies that work for California will not necessarily work for Ohio.
- Engaging the Community as a Whole.
- Easily Implemented and Understood.
We are engaged in Local, State, and National Policy. We are advocates for farmers, processors, and consumers.
How do we help NE Ohio?*
Agricultural Viability Task Force
*The Ohio Food Policy and Task Forces were an Executive Order of Governor Strickland. This Council and Tasks Forces did not carry through to Governor Kasich's administration. We are supporting Ohio HB240 which would create the Ohio Sustainable Food Advisory Council in statute.
USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Council
We update policy issues and much more on our blog. Our blog features articles about current pending legislation, the USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Council, how to start farming, and more.
We can help local governments implement and encourage policies and programs to enhance, retain, and expand agricultural operations in your community. Ask me how?
GET INVOLVED! Contact your elected officials when you see an issue or problem
US Senators representing Ohio: (National Policy)
Sherrod Brown (D) Assigned to the Agriculture Committee
Rob Portman ( R)
US Congressional Districts Northeast Ohio (National Policy): NE Ohio covers all and part of 11 districts
* If you do not know what district you live in, check with the local Board of Elections.
District 4 (Richland County) Jim Jordan ( R) Contact by e-mail
District 5 (Ashland County) Robert Latta ( R) 1.800.541.6446
District 6 (Columbiana, Mahoning) Bill Johnson (R) 202.225.5705
District 9 (Lorain County) Marcy Kaptur (D) 1.800.964.4699
District 10 (Cuyahoga County) Dennis Kucinich (D) 216.228.8850
District 11 (Cuyahoga County) Marcia Fudge (D) 216.522.4900
District 13 (Lorain, Cuyahoga, Summit ) Betty Sutton (D) 866.317.9980
District 14 (Summit, Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Portage, Trumbull) Steve LaTourette ( R) 800.447.0529
District 16 ( Medina, Stark, Ashland, and Wayne) Jim Renacci (R) 202.225.3876
District 17 ( Mahoning, Summit, Trumbull) Timothy Ryan (D) 800.856.4152
Northeast Ohio House of Representatives (State Policy):
There are too many districts for us to list. See Map Here. If you don’t know what district you live in, please check with your local Board of Elections.
Would you like to know who serves on the Ohio Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee? Click Here.
Northeast Ohio Senators (State Policy):
Districts cover all or part of a county. Check with your local board of elections to find out your district number if you are unsure.
Senators that serve on the Agricultural Standing Committee
Other Policy Resources
There are many other organizations that are engaged in policy advocacy work. We are not endorsing any of their opinions or views, but instead offering them to you as a resource.
Also see our Resource page