According to tourism director Christy Clark, the agriculture committee consists of local farmers, agriculture business owners and organizations that work within the agriculture community.

The committee is chaired by Dave Thorbahn, general manager of Plain City-based Select Sires. Thorbahn said a committee dedicated to agribusiness was needed in the area.

"There are more agricultural businesses in Union County than any other sector of business (in the county), yet agriculture seemed underrepresented within the chamber," Thorbahn said. "The response from the agricultural businesses has been very positive."

According to Clark, the mission of the committee is "to champion agricultural economic development and activity through communication, education and promotion to consumers, agribusiness and public entities."

"The goals are to create public awareness of the scope of contribution of Union County agricultural businesses, its role in environmental stewardship, its focus to create safe and wholesome products, and be known for integrity in communicating factual agricultural information," Clark said.

The committee also will work to be the county's voice for the promotion and protection of Union County agricultural development, Clark said. This will be accomplished through the promotion of farm products and services available to the general public and agricultural businesses, along with providing awareness and education to farms and agribusinesses on programs available from the chamber of commerce and its members.

To begin these initiatives, Clark said the committee recently partnered with the Land Heritage Trust to co-host the second annual parade of farms, which was intended to educate community leaders about farms in Union County and the importance they play to the economy. Participants were taken on tours of county-based businesses Champaign Landmark, Lee Farms on Waldo Road and the Barry's Perch 'N More fish hatchery.

The committee also worked with the chamber's legislative committee to become the first local chapter in Ohio to pass a resolution in support of this fall's ballot Issue 2, which would institute an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

Next on the list for the committee are plans to release the first agriculture directory listing of businesses in Union County, Clark said.

More information on the committee can be obtained by calling the Union County Chamber of Commerce office at (937) 642-6279.