Stakes are High for Issue 2
Ohio legislation
Ohio voters will influence the future of animal agriculture in their state on November 3. Issue 2 calls for the creation of a 13-member Livestock Care Standards Board that would include Ohio’s agriculture director, family farmers, veterinarians, a representative from a local humane society, and consumers. This is a unique opportunity for Ohioans to come together in support of a ballot measure that aims to protect farm families and locally-grown food.
Issue 2 is a proactive strategy designed to prevent out-of-state activist groups from dictating how food is produced in Ohio. Last fall, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was successful in pushing through California’s Proposition 2 – a devastating attack of the state’s egg industry – after a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign. HSUS has indicated that it plans to take its campaign against modern agriculture practices to other states that recognize the initiative process. This time, Ohio’s agriculture leaders have made the first move in an attempt to prevent thousands of farmers from going out of business while preserving food safety and affordability.
Agriculture is Ohio’s top industry. Individual farmers and ranchers, farm organizations, veterinarians, and consumers have rallied behind Issue 2 in order to help ensure the future of food production in the state. By opposing the new Livestock Care Standards Board, HSUS has shown that its true motivation is not the improvement of farm animal welfare but the elimination of animal agriculture altogether. Issue 2 will give local animal welfare experts the authority to explore best practices in animal care and will prevent unfounded regulations that are advocated for by animal rights groups.
Farmers and ranchers already work hard to ensure the welfare of their animals. There are many ways that those involved in agriculture can share their feelings about Issue 2. The Animal Agriculture Alliance recommends that farmers and ranchers utilize social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube to start conversations with people who haven’t experienced agriculture firsthand. Even after the Issue 2 campaign has ended, food producers should continue to connect with consumers in their community by reaching out with accurate information about modern farms. It is important for the public to learn more about where their food comes from- farmers and ranchers have a wonderful story to tell.
The Animal Agriculture Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a broad-based coalition of individual farmers and ranchers, producer organizations, suppliers, packer-processors, private industry and retailers. The Alliance’s mission is to communicate the important role of animal agriculture to our nation’s economy, productivity, vitality, security and that animal well-being is central to producing safe, high-quality, affordable food and other products essential to our daily lives.
Category: Press Releases
Tag: Legislation,