NW Ohio Times

State Representatives Dave Dobos and Roy Klopfenstein have introduced legislation that aims to exempt certain non-commercial seed-sharing activities from regulations governing seed labeling, inspection, and advertising. The legislation is designed to support the Ohio Prairie Association (OPA) in distributing milkweed seeds among its members for the purpose of promoting habitats, particularly for monarch butterflies across the state.

Under the proposed legislation, the distribution of milkweed seeds would be exempted when it is intended for the conservation of threatened species or the establishment and propagation of native plant habitats. This exemption would enable the OPA to distribute milkweed seeds non-commercially, thus providing vital food sources for monarch caterpillars and creating suitable environments for monarch butterflies to lay their eggs.

Explaining the need for this legislation, Representative Dobos stated, "The bill will exempt the distribution of milkweed seeds when its purpose is for the conservation of threatened species or the planting, creation, and propagation of native plant habitats."

Representative Klopfenstein emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that "Monarch populations have declined rapidly in the last decade." By allowing the OPA to distribute milkweed seeds, the legislation aims to increase the availability of food sources for monarch caterpillars and provide them with safe spaces to complete their life cycle.

The legislation is now awaiting a bill number and committee assignment before progressing further in the legislative process.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/roy-klopfenstein/news/dobos-klopfenstein-introduce-legislation-exempting-milkweed-seed-distribution-117787