Ohioans for Livestock Care statement on proposed initiative |
Posted by ocgadmin on Tuesday, February 02 @ 09:17:52 CST
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COLUMBUS – Leaders of Ohioans for Livestock
Care today released the following statement in response to the announcement of a
new farm animal initiative being proposed for the November 2010
ballot.
“Ohio farmers, first and foremost, are
committed to caring for the animals we raise. It’s the right thing to do, and it means
we can continue to provide Ohioans with safe, affordable, Ohio-grown
food.
“Ohio voters supported the creation of the
Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (the Board), because it is a meaningful,
comprehensive way to maintain excellent care of the state’s farm animals. The Board, which is balanced with
members representing both political parties who must be appointed and confirmed,
is charged with considering all aspects of farm animal care, including animal
health, medical care, biosecurity, disease prevention, food safety and food
costs.
“The California-style proposal being
sought by out-of-state animal rights groups is not needed, and their actions
disregard the will of voters who supported an Ohio-based measure. The Board can – and will – do its job,
if these groups will step back and give it time to do so. And furthermore, any group can bring
before the Board any changes it seeks – without going to the unnecessary lengths
of a statewide ballot initiative.
“Ohio can’t afford to pass a measure like
the one in California. Ohio’s farm community is important to the fabric of
our rural life and to the state’s economy, providing $98 billion to the state’s
bottom line and almost one million jobs.
"In California, farms already are being
courted to leave the state and relocate– taking those jobs and tax benefits with
them. In Ohio, a similar result
would be devastating to our economy.
“Enough is enough from these out-of-state
groups. Our voters have spoken –
it’s right to let Ohio experts set and maintain our excellent animal care
standards, and to let farmers continue caring for their flocks and herds and
providing safe, low-cost food for Ohioans.”
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Ohioans for Livestock Care is led by Ohio’s
leading farm organizations, including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the Ohio
Corn Growers Association, the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, the Ohio Farm
Bureau Federation, the Ohio Poultry Association, the Ohio Pork Producers Council
and the Ohio Soybean Association.
The groups together advocated for the successful passage of State Issue 2
in 2009, a measure to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards
Board.
FOR INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS,
CONTACT:
Hinda
Mitchell or Diane Hurd,
614/224-0600
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