DELAWARE, Ohio — On March 26, U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small toured a Waynesville, Ohio, farm to see a grain bin project firsthand. The tour at Ohio Corn & Wheat member Aaron Jones’ farm was made possible with funding from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps farmers and rural small business owners improve their energy efficiency and make investments in renewable energy for both the profitability and resiliency of their operations.
“It’s not every day that the deputy secretary of agriculture is in Ohio. This was a really special opportunity for area farmers to share their hopes and concerns with national leaders,” said Luke Crumley, director of public policy and sustainability for Ohio Corn & Wheat. “We should be proud that Ohio’s delegation has folks like Congressman Landsman who want to learn from Ohio’s farmers.”
During the farm visit, Landsman commented on his key learnings, including that time spent in his home state packs the biggest punch for listening and learning about the issues that matter most to constituents.
“We’re in D.C. too much. That’s one of my big takeaways from my first term in Congress,” said Landsman. “Back here at home is where we learn the most.”
Following the tour, Clinton County, Ohio, farmer and Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) Board Member John Settlemyre hosted a round table discussion between Landsman and local farmers, which covered land use, tax policy and conservation programs. Landsman announced he is co-sponsoring the Next Generations Fuels Act and Farm to Fly Act, two priority pieces of legislation for OCWGA.
The Next Generation Fuels Act supports the use of biofuels by establishing a minimum octane standard for gasoline, while the Farm to Fly Act aims to accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) including the use of biofuels.
“It’s important for farmers’ voices to be heard when we’re trying to solve national problems,” said Settlemyre. “Today, Congressman Landsman helped make that happen.”
To learn more about how OCWGA champions Ohio farmers through events, education and advocacy, visit its website.
About Ohio Corn & Wheat
Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability and houses two checkoffs and one membership-based organization. The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff work to develop and expand markets, fund research and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively. The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is a membership organization advocating for supportive public policy on behalf of its farmer members. For more information, visit ohiocornandwheat.org.
— Ohio Corn & Wheat