As the representative of one of Ohio’s prominent farming regions, it is my top priority to support our key agricultural industry. I remain committed to implementing state policies that benefit Ohio’s agricultural industry and I will continue to do all I can to protect our family farms.

Currently, Ohio’s agricultural industry is under attack by a national lobbyist group that has progressively spread its policies across the country and has now infiltrated Ohio’s borders. For the past several months, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has been barraging the Ohio Legislature with demands for radical changes to livestock husbandry practices that would be difficult for many local farmers to adjust to financially. Specifically, this special interest group, which is entirely unaffiliated with local humane societies, has demanded Ohio’s adoption of stern mandates for larger and consequently costlier crate sizes, which could easily drive much of our agricultural industry out of business or out of the state entirely.

For a group of political activists to raid Ohio and threaten to circumvent the legislative process is ludicrous and ignores our state’s consistently successful farming practices. Without doubt, Ohioans know their own agricultural climate best, whether they are Ohio farmers, veterinarians or agricultural agency representatives. I believe that allowing out-of-state lobbyists to create mandates on Ohio’s industry is unacceptable, and a conversation needs to take place between consumers and farmers.

To accomplish this goal, members of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate have passed a resolution for the creation of a specialized livestock board to establish standards for livestock care. House Joint Resolution 2, jointly sponsored by Representatives Margaret Ann Ruhl (R-Mount Vernon) and Allan Sayre (D-Dover), would create a committee to enforce guidelines regarding food safety and production, biosecurity and livestock wellness.

Members of the board will have a wide range of skills and expertise, ranging from veterinarians to consumers. The initiative, which will be added to the November 2009 ballot, is a crucial step toward maintaining control over our own agricultural practices and ensuring that Ohio’s consumers and farmers have a voice. If changes in Ohio’s farming practices need to happen, they will come from Ohioans themselves, not from Washington.

Farming is the prevailing livelihood here in northwest Ohio, and I was proud to vote in favor of this motion. With the majority of the 75^th district dominated by rural farmlands, it is my obligation and privilege to preserve our region’s agriculture. We cannot afford to lose any more jobs by driving vital industries out of state and it is absolutely necessary that Ohio remains a business-friendly environment. I remain committed to implementing state policies that benefit Ohio’s agricultural industry and I will continue to do all I can to protect our family farms, while working with the needs of consumers.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. You may write to me: Representative Lynn Wachtmann, Ohio House of Representatives, 77 South High Street, 10^th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or call my office at (614) 466-3760.