John Boehner 8TH DISCTRICT OF OHIO

When I was first elected to Congress in 1990, I made it a priority to become a member of the House Agriculture Committee. Prior to being elected to House Republican leadership, I had the privilege of serving as Vice-Chairman of this critical congressional panel. Ohio agriculture is a $68 billion industry with one in every six Ohioans working an agriculture-related job.

The 8^th District boasts some of the richest farmland in the state, and the two largest agricultural counties in Ohio – Darke and Mercer counties – are located in the district. I have a very serious obligation to give close consideration to farm legislation that will have a major impact on Ohio farmers and the Buckeye State’s economy. Fully 50 percent of our soybeans and 20 percent of our corn is exporting so discovering and expanding foreign markets for our products is of critical importance.

With that in mind, I am a proud advocate for free markets and fair trade – principles that led me to author free market-based farm legislation during my tenure in the U.S. House. And while visiting with family farmers in the 8^th District, I am constantly reminded that 50 percent or more of a farm may be lost due to the Death Tax that penalizes so many of our farmers and small business owners. I will continue to fight for a permanent repeal of the Death Tax on behalf of Ohio farmers and Buckeye State families. 

Each year, I host Farm Forum in the 8th Congressional District where leading agriculture experts and Ohioans who farm or are involved with farming come together to discuss the important issues we face.