Year-End OABA Legislative Victories

As the legislative session draws to a close, OABA is proud to announce two significant legislative victories for its members. These achievements highlight the vital role OABA plays in advocating for Ohio's agribusiness community.

In June, OABA staff turned our attention to House Bill 238. The intent of HB 238 is to reduce the burden of occupational license fees and the licensure process on Ohio businesses and workers. One of the licenses the bill was set to remove was Ohio's grain tester certification. OABA, or anyone in the ag industry, did not want this program eliminated.  OABA members and staff testified that it would cause more delays for farmers and grain elevators. Over the summer, your association hosted members of the Senate Government Oversight Committee on tour elevators and held meetings to learn about the importance of grain graders. OABA and key industry partners worked with the Senate Government Oversight Committee on a compromise that keeps the grain handling certification program, but now with a requirement that a new tester completes USDA grain inspection training and can be recertified by completing three hours of continuing education every five years. The compromise also permits an agricultural handler to contract with an individual to conduct agricultural commodity testing and requires the Director of the Department of Agriculture to issue an official grader’s ID number to each individual who conducts commodity testing. This bill has successfully passed the legislature and is on its way to Governor Mike DeWine for signature.

The second legislative focus began at the Grain Law Roundtable discussion in June, during which OABA members met with the Ohio Department of Agriculture to discuss grain issues. One topic in this discussion was the Delayed Pricing Agreement and the inability to roll DP Agreements to basis contracts. OABA hosted a special meeting with grain merchandisers from across the state to meet with ODA staff to explore this issue in more detail. This meeting led to a recommendation to establish a new “regular bid price” definition in the Ohio Revised Code Section 926.01.  OABA worked diligently with ODA to propose an amendment that clarifies definitions of "storage" and adding definitions of "grain bank" and "regular bid price", thereby eliminating differing interpretations. This amendment was included in House Bill 503, a feral swine bill, during the lame duck session, and was signed into law by Governor DeWine on December 19.

Delivering Results for Our Members These legislative victories underscore the strength and effectiveness of OABA’s collective voice. When our members face challenges, they can count on OABA to identify, advocate for, and implement practical solutions that drive the industry forward. These wins reflect our steadfast commitment to the success and sustainability of Ohio agribusiness.

Acknowledging Our Supporters We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members, industry partners, and advocates who worked tirelessly to advance these critical initiatives. Your dedication and collaboration were instrumental in achieving these outcomes, and they serve as a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

As OABA continues to champion the interests of its members, these legislative successes serve as a testament to the power of advocacy and teamwork. Stay tuned for updates as these bills move forward and Governor DeWine’s decision is finalized. Together, we are building a stronger future for Ohio agriculture.