If passed, Issue 2 will amend the Ohio state constitution to create a Livestock Care Standards Board stacked with Big Ag factory farm supporters, handing them sweeping authority to make decisions related to farms and food in Ohio that would have the force of law. The new Livestock board would have largely unchecked power to override any act by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Assembly.3

Currently, animal agriculture is regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which makes rules through a formal process requiring public input. This new board, made up of 13 political appointees, would have absolute power to decide rules on animal welfare, potentially reshaping regulations on how animals are raised, tracked and traced.

If allowed to pass, Issue 2 will almost assuredly allow the unchecked abuse of factory farm animals, while potentially allowing an increase in antibiotic and artificial hormone use and mandating expensive animal ID systems.

Already, the Ohioans for Livestock Care PAC, an Orwellian-named group comprised of Ohio Farm Bureau, the National Pork Producers, Pioneer Hi-Bred International and Farmland Mutual Insurance has raised over $4 million to push this initiative.2

FromFood Democracy Now!