LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s newly created Center for Food and Animal Issues received a significant boost thanks to a $100,000 donation approved by the board of directors for Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, a $15.5 billion agriculture lending cooperative serving over 85,500 farmers and rural residents.
According to a press release from the bureau, the center was created in May to bring together diverse interests including farmers, consumers, zoos, hunters, researchers and pet owners to make sure all voices are heard as decisions about animals are considered.
Promote dialog
The center will develop programs and partnerships that promote dialog among all stakeholders who benefit from animals in their lives.
At least 50 percent of the pledged dollars will support the center’s establishment of an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.
This board will set standards for livestock and poultry care that take into account issues of food safety, local availability and affordability of food and best farm management practices for animal well being.
The 12-member board, made up of those involved in farming, food safety and education, will use their best knowledge in making decisions effecting animal agriculture.
November ballot
The measure to create an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board will be placed on the November ballot and, if approved by Ohio voters, will go into effect immediately.
The remaining contribution will support the center’s outreach and education efforts.
“As a farmer, my objective is to provide safe, healthy and affordable food to Ohio’s consumers. It’s important that farmers show care and compassion for our livestock while following standards set out by experts in animal agriculture,” said Andrew Wilson, a member of the Farm Credit Services board and a pork producer from Somerset, Ohio.
“Livestock and poultry farmers recognize they must do more than what is expected and that customers deserve to be reassured that their food is produced responsibly and animals are well cared for,” Wilson added.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful idea. One of the major concerns should be the agricultural use of antibiotic resistant pathogen contaminated sewage sludge on grazing land as well as food crops. Early studies that show that antibiotic resistant bacteria are created in treatment plants. Gene transfer is also taking place at the same time. The studies also show that bacteria survived in a desiccated state – until they get moisture. This mutant pathogenic mixture is then promoted to agriculture as a safe fertilizer called biosolids. Maybe we can all start talking the same language to protect the animals and human animals as well.
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