According to the Ohio Farm Bureau, there are 75,700 farms in Ohio which contribute $93.8 billion to the
state’s economy – making food and agriculture Ohio’s top industry.
Furthermore, about half of Ohio’s total acres are used as farmland (14.3 million acres).
Susan Crowell, editor of Farm and Dairy newspaper, believes the impact of farming goes far and wide, as
she states an individual farm in Ohio contributes $12 million to the local economy over a 30-year
period.
She will explain several additional reasons why the agriculture industry is so important including the
economic impact, and how billionaire Bill Gates ties into her rationale.
Join her for this unique presentation titled, "The Horn of Plenty Needs Tooting," on Apr. 21
from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the monthly Northwest Ohio Ag-Business Breakfast Forum.
The program begins at 8 a.m. with informal networking prior, hosted by the Center for Innovative Food
Technology at the Agricultural Incubator Foundation, north of Bowling Green on Ohio 582, east of
Haskins.
The forum is an educational networking opportunity to provide information on current issues, trends and
programs available to the agricultural community and those who support its advancement.
Farmers, agribusiness owners and supporters of Ohio’s agricultural economy are encouraged to join CIFT on
the third Thursday every month for this forum. Each month a different topic is the focus with leaders in
the agricultural field brought in to speak about the chosen topic.
The cost is $10 per person (cash or check at the door) which includes breakfast and informal networking
opportunities.
The Agricultural Incubator Foundation is located at 13737 Middleton Pike.
Walk-ins are welcome, but guests are encouraged to reserve a seat in advance by calling Paula Ray at the
ag incubator, (419) 823-3099 or e-mail [email protected].