State Senator Tim Schaffer | The Ohio Senate
State Senator Tim Schaffer | The Ohio Senate
The Ohio Senate has approved House Bill 162, known as the "Agriculture Appreciation Act." This legislation acknowledges various federal agriculture days within state law, such as FFA Week, 4-H Week, Agriculture Day, and Farmer's Day. State Senator Tim Schaffer of Lancaster supported the bill.
"Agriculture is the backbone of our state's history and economy, and Ohio's farmers and future farmers deserve acknowledgement for their contributions to our communities and country," stated Schaffer. "This legislation gives them this recognition in state law."
Additionally, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee introduced a new designation for "Ohio Soil Health Week" during the second week of November. This initiative aims to highlight soil health's significance in agriculture and honors soil pioneer David Brandt on his birthday. The committee also included an amendment allowing counties to employ more than one deputy apiarist.
"These changes will continue to educate Ohioans about agriculture and give our counties the ability to hire the best and brightest people to enforce the law," added Schaffer.
House Bill 162 will return to the House for a concurrence vote.