Leaders of Ohioans for Livestock Care have announced the first phase of the statewide outreach campaign in support of passage of State Issue 2.

Issue 2 calls for the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board comprised of Ohio experts in animal care, veterinary medicine, food safety and farm management and consumer and humane society members.

Ads and Web site feature Brenda Hastings, a mother of two and dairy farmer from Burton, OH, who shares her story about the role that responsible animal care plays in ensuring Ohioans have a safe, affordable supply of food raised in the Buckeye state.

“Without question, we want Ohio voters to understand that Issue 2 is about the relationship between how farm animals are cared for and how decisions about animal care can impact food safety, food affordability and food availability,” says Jamie Butts, campaign spokeswoman. “Issue 2 is a reasonable proposal to address that relationship, and that’s why creation of the board through the passage of Issue 2 will make sure our farm animals receive the best treatment, and Ohioans have access to quality food produced by Ohio farmers.”

The board will feature 13 members, 10 appointed by the governor and one each appointed by the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate. The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture will serve as the 13th member and chair of the board.

“Ohioans know the best way to care for both our animals and our food supply,” remarks Jeff Wuebker, a hog and grain farmer from Darke County. “A broad approach to policymaking, that considers all aspects of animal care, is the meaningful, common-sense way to sustain consumer confidence in Ohio-grown food.”

More than 500 individuals and organizations have come out in support of Issue 2. Learn more about how to donate, volunteer or to find out about upcoming campaign events.