By a 64% majority vote Ohioans approved Issue 2 to amend the state constitution and create a state livestock care standards board.
The board will establish, "a fair, uniform set of standards that ensure the safe and humane treatment of the state's livestock and poultry, therefore sustaining the viability of Ohio's family farmers and assuring safe, affordable food for all citizens," said Robert J. Boggs, director of the Ohio Department and thus chairman of the new board.
"With the passage of Issue 2, Ohioans have proven their support of keeping the state's number one industry—food and agriculture—vibrant and strong," Boggs said. "The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board will serve Ohio's citizens in a way that will be transparent and open. Ohioans who desire to have their voices heard will have an opportunity to do so during this public process."
The measure was spear headed by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Livestock Coalition, but had widespread support from across the agricultural spectrum.
"Voters agree with Ohio's farm community and our diverse base of supporters - decisions about food and farming should be made in Ohio, by Ohioans," said John Lumpe, president of the Ohioans for Livestock Care Political Action Committee. "Passage of Issue 2 is a win for everyone who acknowledges the essential relationship between excellent farm animal care and a safe, affordable, locally grown food supply."
The 13-member board, comprised mostly of farmers, veterinarians and agricultural industry leaders, will write and implement livestock care guidelines. It will be chaired by director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Ten members will be appointed by the governor, with approval of the Ohio Senate. They will include a farmer, a practicing veterinarian, the state veterinarian, two members representing statewide farm organizations, a dean of an Ohio agriculture college or university, a food safety specialist, a member representing county humane societies and two members of the public representing Ohio consumers.
It will also have two additional farmers, one appointed by the speaker of the Ohio House and one named by the president of the Ohio Senate.
The board must be bipartisan, with no more than seven members from one political party.
Expect the Humane Society of the United States to return to Ohio in 2010 or 2011 to press its case for more-humane treatment of farm animals and poultry, writes Alan Johnson reporter with the Columbus Dispatch. In a meeting the newspaper's editorial board, Johnson quotes Pacelle as saying, "We'll see what happens. We're not rushing to the ballot issue. We're looking at it."
Source: http://ohiofarmer.com