The proposed House Bill 406 is set to bring economic disaster upon dairy farmers across Ohio, and it is imperative that we take action to halt its progress. This bill introduces changes to the current regulations that will dramatically increase operational costs for our small local dairy farmers, potentially driving many out of business.  It claims to make raw milk legal while it makes it extremely difficult to produce and make available to consumers. Read the full bill text at https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb406/00_IN/pdf/

Dairy farming is a cornerstone of Ohio's economy, contributing significantly to both the state’s GDP and employment. Ohio ranks 11th in the nation for milk production, with over 1,998 dairy farms across the state. Many of these farms are family-owned operations, where generations have dedicated their lives to producing high-quality dairy products. The passage of House Bill 406 threatens their livelihoods by imposing new regulations and fees that disproportionately affect small to medium-sized farms.

Furthermore, the introduction of this bill fails to consider the larger economic impact on communities that rely heavily on dairy farming. The ripple effect of such legislation could lead to increased unemployment in rural areas, loss of income for feed suppliers, and a significant rise in dairy prices for consumers.

Concrete data published by the Dairy Farmers of America indicates that already tight profit margins could be slashed by up to 40%, leading to unavoidable closures of many beloved local farms. The damage to our local economy and the loss of Ohio’s rich agricultural heritage is unacceptable.

We call upon our elected officials to listen to the voices of their constituents and recognize the long-term impact this bill could have on our state. Ohio’s dairy farmers need policies that support and encourage growth rather than stifle it.

Sign this petition to protect our farmers, safeguard Ohio's economy, and preserve our agricultural legacy. Together, we can prevent House Bill 406 from advancing and keep our dairy industry thriving.