Policy Development in a Grassroots Organization – Part Two
The Follow Up from the Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
By Carl Harp
Much discussion has taken place over the past couple months questioning the policies of Farm Bureau, sparking a step by step explanation of the policy development process. To understand what happens on the local level, be sure to review our December 1st article, https://summitcountyfarmbureau.org/policy-development-in-a-grassroots-organization/ . Below is an explanation of the “next step”, when local delegates came together to develop OHIO Farm Bureau’s policy:
Delegates from all over Ohio — including four representatives from the Summit County Farm Bureau (President Matt Hartong, Vice President Carl Harp, Trustee Paula Mularcik, and member Suzanne Call Cryst) — came together in Columbus on December 11–12 for the 107th Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. The main objective is to shape statewide and federal agricultural policy priorities through debate and discussion.
Topics on the table included farmland preservation, support for local foods like maple syrup, succession planning for family farms, and ongoing concerns about property taxes. Summit County delegates, along with fellow District 8 members from Ashland, Wayne, and Medina counties, often sparked deeper conversations by objecting to common consent. That move requires the proposing county to explain the reasoning behind their policy — a helpful way to better understand the wide range of issues farmers face across the state. Sometimes, a pest, disease, or land-use challenge might only affect a few counties, so hearing the “why” behind a proposal adds valuable context.
If the policy is not approved through common consent and then has been discussed, it’s put to a vote — either by voice or electronically. It is important for the voting delegates to understand, they are not voting based on their personal opinions, but what they believe is best for the farmers of the county they are representing. If a policy passes, it becomes part of the Farm Bureau’s official platform and guides its advocacy efforts with lawmakers and policymakers.
One of the biggest issues this year was property tax reform — a top priority for District 8. With more and more farmland being sold off for development, we’re pushing for reforms that help keep land affordable and productive through programs like Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV), ensuring farms can be passed down for generations.
Another hot topic was the idea of eliminating property taxes altogether. While it’s gaining attention in public forums, delegates voted to oppose the idea, raising concerns about shifting tax burdens, the impact on rural communities and public services, potential hikes in sales taxes, and the loss of local control.
Thanks to the grassroots process at the heart of the Ohio Farm Bureau, Summit County’s voice played a key role in shaping statewide priorities — showing our ongoing commitment to advocating for farmers, strengthening the ag economy, and building strong partnerships between rural and urban communities.
Personally, it is beyond an honor to participate in this event. The conversations we engage in and the policies we shape extend far beyond our own lives—they influence generations to come. As a third-generation farmer, I am deeply committed to ensuring that Ohio remains a leader in agricultural production for not just my children, but for all who wish to carry on their family’s legacy. It is both reassuring and inspiring to see so many dedicated farmers across our state who selflessly work to strengthen their communities every day.
