Ohio Farm Bureau Members Support Maple Syrup Legislation

By Ryan Matthews

Ohio Farm Bureau members recently testified in support of House Bill 733, legislation that would recognize maple syrup production as an agricultural activity under Ohio law and ensure maple producers receive the same protections and opportunities afforded to other sectors of agriculture.

Introduced by Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), the bill would add trees cultivated for maple syrup production to Ohio’s statutory definition of agriculture. The change would allow eligible maple syrup operations to qualify for Ohio’s Current Agricultural Use Value program and extend other agricultural protections available to farming operations in the Buckeye State.

Ohio currently ranks ninth in the country in maple syrup production, contributing more than $5 million annually to the state’s economy. 

For generations,Ohio farmers have worked tirelessly to preserve and grow this unique agricultural industry. Recognizing maple syrup production within the Ohio Revised Code is a common-sense step that properly reflects the realities of modern agriculture in our state. House Bill 733 helps provide clarity, consistency and long-overdue recognition for an industry that continues to grow in economic importance throughout Ohio,” said Kevin Holy,  a Geauga County Farm Bureau member and owner of Seldom Seen Farm.

House Bill 733 also is a strong example of Ohio Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy process in action. The issue of inequality toward maple producers was first identified by members in northeast Ohio, where maple syrup production plays a significant role in the local economy. After local adoption, delegates at Ohio Farm Bureau’s 107th Annual Meeting passed policy supporting the recognition of maple syrup production under Ohio law, elevating the issue from a local concern to a statewide policy push. 

Following the policy adoption, four Geauga County Farm Bureau members testified before lawmakers in support of the legislation, sharing firsthand perspectives on the importance of maple syrup production and the need for consistency in how these operations are recognized under state law. 

Members Timothy Cermak, Linda Crombie, Kevin Holy and Bob Rogish, along with Mandy Orahood, Ohio Farm Bureau organization director for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties, provided testimony.