Tour will provide Ohio farmers with information and resources to help them thrive in today’s economy
 
Columbus – The Ohio Treasury will kick off an Ag-LINK Listening Tour on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 across the state of Ohio.  The first stop on the tour will be in Brown County at the Southern State Community College, located at 12881 U.S. Route 62.
 
The tour will bring key stakeholders together to discuss and share best practices, information and resources about ways the Ohio Treasury can continue to support farmers during these tough economic times.
 
“For 25 years, the Ag-LINK program has been helping farmers across the state of Ohio sustain and grow their operations,” said Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce.  “The tour was designed to increase awareness about the Ag-LINK program and to bring Ohio farmers and various agencies together to share resources and best practices to help farmers thrive during our current economy.”
 
According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, farming is among the top industries in Ohio, employing 14% of the state’s workforce.  Since its inception, Ag-LINK has helped over 28,000 farmers receive reduced rate financing totaling $1.9 billion.  In 2009, the Ohio Treasury awarded $123,090,805 to farmers in 82 of the state’s 88 counties. 
 
Currently, the Ohio Treasury is accepting applications for the 2010 cycle of the Ag-LINK program.  For more information about tour dates or the Ag-LINK program visit, www.ohiotreasurer.gov.  The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 12, 2010 at 5:00 pm.  Applications must be mailed or dropped off at the Ohio Treasury’s offices located at 30 E. Broad Street, 9th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.  For more information, call:  1.800.228.1102.
 
Ag-LINK Listening Tour dates:
 
February 9, 2010
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Southern State Community College
 
February 11, 2010
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Carrollton Days Inn
 
February 16, 2010
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bowling Green State University
 
February 18, 2010
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Das Dutch Kitchen
Dalton, OH  44618