The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is strengthening its advocacy efforts on behalf of Ohio’s farm and food community with the implementation of a new membership structure. The new membership model enhances the organization’s inclusive approach to ensuring food security, economic opportunity and quality of life for all Ohioans.
The new model includes four categories that reflect individuals’ differing degrees of interest and engagement in the farm and food culture.
Active Members are farmers and those whose jobs are directly impacted by the health of Ohio agriculture. Benefits include the right to vote on policy positions, discounts on Nationwide Insurance products and access to many other products and services essential to the farm and food community.
The Young Active Member category is for those age 18 to 24 who are farmers or whose job is directly impacted by the health of Ohio agriculture. These members qualify for all Active Member benefits but at a statewide rate of $25, a substantially reduced rate.
Community Members are those interested in local foods, landowner issues and rights, protecting agriculture and preserving Ohio’s farm heritage and lifestyle. Membership brings invitations to educational forums on issues such as taxes and property rights, provides policy updates and creates unique opportunities to interact with elected officials. This membership level also includes a variety of savings opportunities on everything from insurance to cars to travel and other products and services.
Our Ohio Supporters are individuals who wish to stay connected to food and farm events and issues without joining as members. The low supporter rate of $25 includes a subscription to Our Ohio magazine, Farm Bureau’s bi-monthly, award-winning publication that tells the stories of people from throughout the food chain. Supporters also will be able to enjoy food, farm and gardening events and educational workshops in local communities.
In conjunction with the establishment of its new membership structure, Ohio Farm Bureau has launched a new website to help members, supporters and the public engage with the organization. The site combines the former Farm Bureau and Our Ohio sites into a comprehensive source of useful information and access to the organization’s resources. The new site at ofbf.org features easy navigation and is user friendly across desktop and mobile devices.
The new membership model and launch of the new website will help Farm Bureau continue its 97-year history of telling the story of Ohio agriculture and building community, according to Jack Fisher, OFBF’s executive vice president.
“This is an exciting time for our organization as we gain momentum for our mission of forging a partnership between farmers and consumers and welcome a new generation of farmers. We want to reach all Ohioans and get them engaged with the important work we do. Farm Bureau members and supporters drive our ability to make positive changes in Ohio.”
County Farm Bureaus are kicking off their membership campaigns in January and February. They will be visiting with current and potential members with invitations to renew or join. Everyone is invited to become part of Farm Bureau by visiting GrowWithFB.org.
