| Livestock Care Standards Board Holds First Listening Session |
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May 5, 2010 column from the Star Beacon and Gazette More than 175 people turned out for the first Listening Session held recently by the new Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board in Parkman, Geauga County. The purpose of the session was to gather information from Ohioans to be used by the Board in developing standards for Ohio livestock. Represented were farms of all sizes, small and large, including organic and conventional agriculture. A few also identified themselves as consumers not farmers. This was the first of six listening sessions to be held by the Livestock Care Standards Board across Ohio. Dominic Marchese from Trumbull County is a member of the Board and helpful in bringing this session to the area. Widely different opinions were expressed as can be expected from a cross section of both farm and non-farm people. One thought that came from several sources was "please don't over-regulate our farms, we need to be allowed to farm.” This view was expressed by several people. It was also recognized that every regulation has a cost that farms have to pay to stay in business. Some pointed out that we already have many good regulations in place now that farmers are following and those should be considered by the Board. Organic farmers wanted to be sure that any regulations passed did not interfere with organic standards already set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Several expressed appreciation to the Board for holding these listening sessions and hoped that any regulations finally adopted will protect Ohio's family farms. Concern was expressed by some smaller farmers that regulations don't make it even more difficult for them to stay in business. Another view was that a strong educational program should be a part of the Board's effort to inform non-farmers or consumers. Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs kicked off the listening part of the evening by pointing out the factors the board must consider in developing regulations. These included best management practices for the care and well-being of livestock, biosecurity, disease prevention, animal morbidity and mortality data, food safety practices, protecting local and affordable food supplies for consumers, generally accepted veterinary medical practices, livestock practice standards and ethical standards established by the American Veterinary Medical Association and any other factors the Board considers necessary for proper care of livestock in Ohio. Director Boggs also asked that those making comments suggest ways the Board can maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and marketed food, and protect Ohio's family farms. The early part of the meeting involved two informational sessions to start discussions. Dr. Tom Sporleder from Ohio State University talked about the importance of the Ohio food industries that include agriculture. In 2008 the food and agriculture part of Ohio's gross state product (GSP) was $39 billion or $8.27 of each $100 of GSP. Food and agriculture industries provide nearly 891,000 jobs or one of every seven jobs in Ohio. Dr. Candace Conley, veterinarian from Ohio State University, highlighted the many concerns that go with animal welfare and that welfare is much more than just animal care. Representation at this listening session came from many counties in northeastern Ohio including Ashtabula, Trumbull, Geauga, Wayne, Summit, Lake, Cuyahoga, Portage and more. The Board made it clear that they were not there to answer questions or debate issues but to listen and gather information. Adequate opportunity was provided for comments to be made. John Parker is an independent agricultural writer and serves on the local Farm Bureau Board. Share with:
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