Ohio Department of Agriculture

The agency fulfills several important roles for Ohioans including supporting agriculture, protecting consumers, safeguarding plants and animals, and conserving natural resources. Founded in 1846 as the Ohio Board of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture is one of the oldest executive-level agencies in Ohio. Food and agriculture employs one in eight Ohioans and accounts for more than $124 billion in annual investment – demonstrating the critical importance of the industry and the agency to the state.