Yesterday the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) joined the other major Ohio agriculture organizations in sending a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, expressing thanks for his leadership and pledging the full commitment of Ohio agriculture in meeting the challenges of the situation caused by COVID-19.

The letter also acknowledged the leadership of Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Pelanda, and officially requested that the Governor designate the agriculture commodity sector as an essential service if a “shelter in place” order is eventually put into effect in Ohio.

The letter included a list of many of the essential workers and employees, in addition to farmers themselves, involved in producing and transporting grain and grain byproducts, meat, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables and other food products, to local, state, domestic and export markets. They will keep our food safe and abundant for consumers, and our leaders must recognize that our agriculture critical infrastructure and supply lines for food are essential to overcoming our current challenges.

In addition to OSA, the letter was signed by the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Ohio AgriBusiness Association, Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio Pork Council, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and Ohio Dairy Producer’s Association.