Platform - Ohio Farms
Ohio Farms
Ohio's family farms are the heart of our rural communities and food system—especially in the 84th district, where agriculture sustains families, jobs, and local economies. As your representative, I will fight to protect small and mid-sized operations, preserve productive land, stabilize incomes, promote local food access, support the next generation, and address the unique stresses farmers face—ensuring our farms thrive for generations to come.
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Protect prime farmland and strengthen the CAUV program by advocating for smart land-use planning, transparency and uniformity in assessments, and policies that prioritize preserving productive agricultural land—ensuring fair taxation based on ag use (not speculative development value), preventing irreversible loss of prime soil, and balancing economic growth with long-term farm viability.
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Implement targeted grant programs and tax incentives for small and mid-sized family farms to help them stay competitive against large corporate operations—providing resources for equipment, diversification, and sustainability while preserving independent family ownership.
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Increase funding for agricultural education programs, including vocational training in high schools and community colleges, mentorship initiatives connecting young people with experienced farmers, and beginning farmer support—building a skilled workforce and easing successful farm transitions to the next generation.
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Advocate for fair pricing mechanisms and emergency relief to stabilize incomes for dairy farmers and other producers—supporting state-funded funds or enhancements to federal programs (like Dairy Margin Coverage) when market prices drop below production costs, preventing financial hardship and farm closures amid ongoing low-price challenges.
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Create incentives for local governments to establish and support farmers markets, food hubs, and farm-to-school programs—boosting direct sales, improving access to fresh local food in schools and communities, and strengthening regional food systems for healthier Ohioans and more resilient farm economies.
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Establish mental health resources tailored to farmers, including dedicated hotlines, counseling services, peer support groups, and partnerships with organizations like the Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance—addressing isolation, financial stress, weather impacts, and high suicide risks with accessible, stigma-free support.
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Advocate for state programs to expand market access for Ohio farmers domestically and internationally—while pushing back against harmful tariffs, trade disruptions, and policies that squeeze exports (like soybeans, corn, and dairy)—ensuring fair trade deals and stable markets that reward Ohio producers.