Members of Ohio ’s husbandry industriousness are working to appoint members of the newly found Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board , a direct result of the passing of Issue 2 in the November 2009 election .
Initiated by the Ohio Farm Bureau to support Ohio farmers of all sizing , the local regulation consistency will evolve standards for livestock care in Ohio . The panel will comprise 13 stock expert from Ohio , include farmers , vet , food safety expert , a local humanistic order congressman , academics and consumers .
Farming is Ohio ’s top economic contributor , said Jim Chakeres , executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association and member of the steering committee that promoted Issue 2 . The desire for a local board that centre on the nation ’s singular agriculture needs was the drive force behind the campaign .
“ Ohio ’s Department of Agriculture residential district recognized that the board was the right approach to ensure James Leonard Farmer can remain doing what we do best — worry for our beast and ply secure nutrient for the world , ” Chakeres said .
An on-going conversation between Ohio farmers and consumer also stimulated the issue . While the board will focus on humane livestock guardianship , it also impacts the production of dependable , affordable , locally acquire food for thought for Ohio consumers , Chakeres read . He noted that out - of - state first step that threatened the hunting expedition would ache Ohio agriculture : “ Implementing [ such initiatives ] would motor Department of Agriculture out of Ohio , force nation farm to close down , and increase both food prices and Ohio ’s reliance on other states and res publica for food product , ” he order .
National activistic group , like the Humane Society of the United States , oppose Issue 2 , viewing it as a barricade to reform encouraging the humane treatment of livestock . In a statement release before elections , HSUS said it would found an initiative in Ohio to ensure sizeable way for farm fauna keep in veal crates , gestation crates and battery cages .
Other national organization , like American Humane , which raise humane animal maintenance , supported Ohio ’s effort to get a local regulating body .
“ Our experience work out with agricultural interest has picture that the most effective reform of animal welfare standards add up when the solution are not only good for animals , but beneficial for the great unwashed who grease one’s palms food and good for farmers too , ” state Marie Belew Wheatley , president and CEO of American Humane . “ We think it ’s important when farm large and small are part of the resolution and voluntarily make proficient animal agriculture a part of their operating procedures . ”
In the weeks and months follow the passage of Issue 2 , the before long - to - be - appointed chairman of the board will work with Ohio ’s factory farm director Robert Boggs , Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio General Assembly to produce legislating that will determine the functions and processes of the board and will continue conversations with local consumers and Ohioans for Livestock Care .
“ This continued wholeness will allow us to take with the board as it lead off to deliberate policies about farm creature caution in Ohio , ” Chakeres said .
