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The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) recently recognized Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) as OSA Legislators of the Year. OSA awards this distinction to a legislator or legislators who have shown a tremendous contribution to the success of the Ohio soybean industry.

Brown and Gibbs both played critical roles in the passage of the farm bill in early 2014 as both men served on their respective chambers’ Agriculture Committee. Thanks to their work, Ohio soybean farmers’ priorities were front and center in the new bill.

“It’s my pleasure to recognize Sen. Brown and Rep. Gibbs as OSA Legislators of the Year,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA president and Auglaize County soybean farmer. “As agriculture is only one percent of the U.S. population, it is more important than ever to cultivate the relationships we have with the legislative leaders who understand farmers’ contribution to U.S. citizens and the economy. I want to thank Sen. Brown and Rep. Gibbs for recognizing that contribution and working so hard on behalf of Ohio’s 24,000 soybean farmers.”

During the farm bill process, Brown partnered with Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to be the leading voices of support for the Agriculture Risk Coverage program, both supported by OSA.

OSA farmer leaders presented the award to Brown during a special event and meeting at the farm of Bret Davis, OSA chairman and Delaware County soybean farmer.

“With one in seven jobs related to food and agriculture in Ohio, it’s crucial that Ohio farmers have the resources they need while saving taxpayers’ money,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown. “This farm bill achieved that balance and the members of the Ohio Soybean Association helped to push this bill across the finish line. Representing Ohio farmers is an honor and I thank the Ohio Soybean Association for its recognition as legislator of the year.”

Brown and Gibbs have both been very accessible to soybean farmers and held multiple conference calls with leaders across the state. They supported expanded funding of the Biobased Marketing Program and the continuation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which includes a required level of use of biodiesel, the only advanced biofuels currently available on the market.

Gibbs was officially presented this award in March during OSA’s visit to his office on Capitol Hill.

“I am honored to receive Legislator of the Year from the Ohio Soybean Association,” said Rep. Bob Gibbs. “OSA was critical throughout the development of a market-driven farm bill that would ensure American consumers would continue to have an abundant, safe and affordable food supply. Ohio’s farmers are a key driver of our economy and job creation and I am grateful for all they do every day to produce wholesome food for all Americans.”

In addition to the farm bill, Brown and Gibbs currently support the passage of the Water Resources Development Act, which will help ensure farmers’ ability to get their product to both domestic and international markets. Without the final passage of this legislation, U.S. infrastructure will continue to decay.

Bambauer said, “We look forward to working with Sen. Brown and Rep. Gibbs on this and other legislative priorities over the next year and ensuring Ohio soybean farmers are heard.”

About OSA

The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry. soyohio.org/membership

Media Contact:

Jennifer Coleman
Ohio Soybean Association
614.476.3100
jcoleman@soyohio.org