Ohio wheat, barley and oat growers stand to benefit from research funded by a voluntary marketing program passed Dec. 12, 2007 by the Ohio House of Representatives. The Ohio Wheat Growers Association worked with State Rep. Steve Reinhard (R-Bucyrus) in passing the measure.

"Establishment of the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program will assure that Ohio wheat producers remain competitive in an ever-more complex global marketplace," says Ohio Wheat Growers Association President Jay Griffith.

Gov. Ted Strickland is expected to sign the bill within the next 10 days; the marketing program will go into effect 90 days after it becomes law.

Ohio wheat growers are number one in the country in red winter wheat production. Ohio is one of the largest flour milling states in the country and grains are a vital part of the economy. Marketing program funds could be used for market development, research, and education.