ProgressOhio

Issue 2, the brainchild of corporate agribusiness, passed today.  Issue 2 backers spent at least 40 times more than their opposition, a coalition of farmer, consumer and environmental groups known as Ohio ACT (Ohio Against Constitutional Takeover).

Natalie Kee, a spokesperson for Ohio ACT, stated, “Issue 2’s passage proves that money plays too large a role in public policy. We will be keeping the closest eye possible to make sure the ‘safe, local food’ that Ohio voters were promised becomes a reality. We will be watching.”

Warren Taylor, owner of Snowville Creamery, summed up the vote saying, “This loss shows that a multi-million dollar greenwashing campaign can buy a place in the Ohio Constitution. I fear for the future of small, sustainable, family farms.”

Joe Logan, Director of Agricultural Programs for the Ohio Environmental Council, agreed saying, “Ohioans allowed corporate agribusiness to amend our constitution with an unaccountable unchecked layer of bureaucracy. Farmers and consumers will face increased challenges in addressing agricultural issues that affect small farms, sustainable food production and our environment.”