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Local Initiatives Projects...
Farm to SchoolA brief history of school lunch programs involving the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculturer. Food Manufacturers in Northwest OhioA list of companies in our own backyard that produce items you see on your grocer's shelf every week. Northwest Ohio Farmers MarketsThe advantages of buying produce and other goods at farmers markets, a list Northwest Ohio farmers markets, and links to other farmers market resources. AgritourismA discussion of agricultural tourism, its potential as another revenue stream for farmers, and guidance on starting an agritourism venture. Farm to ChefThe Northwest Ohio Fresh Network is a free direct-marketing program for buying and selling local fruits, vegetables, and other locally made products to chefs throughout the food service industry while building long-term business relationships.
Facts About Ohio Agriculture and the Food We Eat
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The agriculture and food industry represent Ohio's top industry, contributing to the daily lives of every Ohioan. Whether a producer or a consumer, every citizen has the privilege of enjoying the farm-to-table sector, which contributes $79 billion to Ohio's economy each year. In recognition of this industry, here are some figures and food for thought to share with friends over your next dinner.
Food and agriculture is Ohio's top industry, contributing $79 billion to our economy.
Ohio grows more than 200 crops. The state's top crops are corn and soybeans; these ranked nationally eighth and sixth, respectively.
One in every seven Ohioans is employed in some aspect of agriculture. This includes farm production, wholesaling and retailing, marketing, processing and agribusiness.
Ohio's strong agricultural industry and polymer industry, which ranks number 1 in the nation, makes the state a prime spot for innovative, new technologies in the developing biopolymer industry.
The OHIO PROUD Marketing Program links 193 Ohio businesses and producers with consumers, promoting the state's agricultural products. The Markets Division also promotes Ohio products domestically and internationally, and promotes direct marketing and agritourism.
Ohio is only one of five states where nearly half (44 percent) of the total acreage is considered prime farmland.
Over the past five years, more than 20,000 acres of land have been preserved through three farmland preservation programs administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The average farmer feeds 129 people, improving each year with better production and higher yields because of weed control and biotechnology.
Ohio leads the U.S. in the production of Swiss cheese, producing 125 million pounds, and is second in the production of eggs.
Poinsettias are Ohio's number one floriculture crop.
Ohio has roughly 21,350 acres planted in nursery stock, supporting the state's growing Green Industry.
Every other row of Ohio soybeans is exported.
The Ohio pork industry ranked ninth in hog and pig production in 2005. For every hog raised in Ohio, $70 was invested back into the community in the form of utilities, feed, loans, and jobs.
Sheep were raised throughout the state on approximately 3,300 farms in 2006. Ohio producers sell wool to domestic mills in the United States, as well as Canada and Germany. Ohio is the largest sheep producing state east of the Mississippi River.
More than 54 million pounds of Ohio chicken were sold in 2005.
Ohio ranked eighth in the nation in corn for grain production. Every tenth row of corn is sent overseas and one out of every two rows is exported to a different state within the U.S.
Ohio ranked fifth in the nation for dairy farms in 2005. At that time, the average cow produced 17,567 pounds of milk.
Nationally, Ohio ranked eighth in grape production in 2005. 8,500 tons of grapes were harvested that year. The economic value of the grapes was estimated at $3 million.
Ohio apple production ranked ninth in the country in 2005.
Ohio has more than 1,000 food processing businesses and manufacturers.
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Slow it Down - by Louise Mikesell-Wireman, CIFT Direct Marketing Specialist, for the Toledo City Paper
Fun Facts: About the Food We Eat - An Agricultural Council of America AG Day Publication
Food Miles: Background and Marketing* - An ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service publication