Bill > SB288

This bill creates the Ohio Food and Agriculture Policy Council, a new state-level advisory body designed to strengthen Ohio's food and farm economies while promoting citizen health and resource sustainability. The Council will consist of 10 members appointed by the Governor, including representatives from various organizations such as the Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio State University Extension, Central State University Extension, Ohio Farm Bureau, urban and rural farming sectors, statewide food banks, and a registered cooperative lobbyist, with the Director of Agriculture serving as Chairperson. Council members will serve four-year terms and can be removed by the Governor at any time, and the Council will be administratively housed within the Department of Agriculture. The Council's primary responsibilities include developing a statewide plan with policy and funding recommendations for promoting an equitable and sustainable food system, conducting educational outreach, and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly by March 1st covering topics like food security, access, production, distribution, waste, economic development, food chain workers, and food systems resilience. The bill also appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the Council's activities, with no funding allocated for fiscal year 2027.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb288