Husted declares October ‘Agriculture Month’

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COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted has announced October as “Agriculture Month.” Throughout the month, the Ohio Business Profile program will highlight various aspects of our state’s agriculture industry.

Approximately one in seven Ohio jobs are supported by the agriculture, generating nearly $105 billion annually. These agribusinesses range from family owned farms to major food processing plants.

“With more than 1,300 family-owned farms that have existed for over a century, agriculture has long been a cornerstone of our state’s economy,” said Secretary Husted. “By embracing bioscience and other innovations, we can ensure that Ohio remains on the cutting edge of breakthroughs to support this industry and its job creators.”

Companies profiled this month include:

• Burnt Toast Farms (Paris Township, Ohio) has biodynamic cut flowers, heirloom and alpacas. With a 20 acre, bio-diverse property, the location doubles as both a working farm, and distinct event venue and destination.

• Gorman Heritage Farm (Evendale, Ohio) has been an educational, nonprofit organization for 20 years. They provide educational opportunities through initiatives such as school field trips, day camps and workshops.

• Mennel (Fostoria, Ohio) started in 1886 and currently has over 500 employees. They started in the flour milling industry, but have grown to include other products such as popcorn and bakery mix.

• Patterson Fruit Farm (Chesterland, Ohio) welcomes customers year round to enjoy many locally grown and made products like fresh produce, syrup from their maple woods, and donuts and freshly baked pies from their onsite bakery.

• Rustic Brew Farm (Marysville, Ohio) is a fourth generation, family-owned, corn and soybean farm. The entire family is passionate about what they do and hope to bring quality brewing ingredients to brewers for years to come.

• Tiger Mushroom Farms (Blacklick, Ohio) is a family-run farm that specializes in a variety of mushrooms. Tiger Mushrooms Farms started when 7-year-old Te’Lario Watkins II developed a passion for growing plants after participating in a Cub Scout project.

From 2010 to 2016, Ohio saw a 30.8 percent increase in the number of newly-registered businesses, and 2016 marked the seventh-consecutive record-breaking year for new businesses in the state.

Since taking office in 2011, Husted has made it a priority to offer better services to Ohio entrepreneurs and businesses at a lower cost. In 2013, he launched Ohio Business Central, which allows businesses to be created online with a significantly quicker turnaround time. This efficiency allowed the state to cut the fees associated with starting a new business by 21 percent in 2015. That same year, Husted began a partnership with Google’s “Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map” program making it easy for new businesses to access free tools to help them get off the ground.

Ohio Business Profile was launched in 2011 to highlight Ohio companies that create transformative products, offer outstanding service, contribute to their local communities and employ Ohioans. Each month, a handful of diverse businesses linked together by a common theme are featured on the Secretary of State’s website. Ohioans are encouraged to submit companies they feel are deserving of recognition in future months.

Staff report

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