Kostyo Awarded "Friend of Agriculture" by OFBF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2006

John Kostyo Gains OFBF “Friend of Agriculture” Designation

(Columbus, Ohio) The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF), the state’s largest farm organization, today announced that John Kostyo, Democratic Candidate for the 76th Ohio House District, has gained the coveted “Friend of Agriculture” award for supporting agriculture and agribusiness.

“I am humbled and overwhelmed to receive this honor,” Kostyo said. “With deep family ties in farming, I know that agriculture is Ohio’s primary industry, and understand the critical responsibility that lawmakers must accept to protect and strengthen agribusiness in our state.”

“One in seven jobs in Ohio is related to agriculture” said Jack Fisher, OFBF executive vice president. “When lawmakers support agriculture, they are supporting an $80 billion per year industry. They are helping provide jobs, economic development and affordable food for Ohioans.”

Fisher explained that about 80 of 99 Ohio House members and 12 of 17 campaigning Senate members received the “Friend of Agriculture” designation this year. He said that legislators were rated on overall support of agriculture, specific votes on bills such as eminent domain and ethanol, as well as support of local Farm Bureau activities.

John Kostyo’s experience with agriculture varies with all those matters that are faced by a lawyer who represents an extended farm family. He has assisted in groundhog “removal” and obtained recoveries on grain certificates; engaged in negotiations and acquisitions involving farm properties; addressed and resolved issues dealing with animal waste; building and equipment rentals; aggressive efforts to acquire farm property for private commercial development; resolved EPA concerns involving herbicide spills and fuel spills; dealt with various farm insurance claims and estate planning considerations. As a result of these experiences, John Kostyo understands the many pressing issues facing family farms.

“I hope to represent the interests of farmers, agri-business and agbiosciences in the 76th Ohio House District,” said Kostyo. Before we can have a second or third frontier, we must make sure that our first – agriculture – is on solid footing.”

“In each of the villages and communities that are in our district, we enjoy affordable home-grown foods that nourish us and are vital to Ohio. We need to focus on policies that protect and promote agriculture. This is a jobs issue. Agriculture is a way of life for many Ohioans and an industry indispensable to our daily lives.”