Progressive ODA

Progressive ODA

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Trade managers with the Oregon Department of Agriculture are taking some actions that other states, notably Idaho and Washington might consider. ODA officials are reaching out within the state to connect with local producers, food processors, and others who might be looking for some help:

Geographically assigned trade managers from ODA have become key contacts for regional agriculture. ODA Marketing Director Terry Fasel says these specialists are making a concerted effort: "To go out and engage our growers, producers, shippers, packers, manufacturing companies and try and make sure they are aware of everything that ODA can do for them."  

 Fasel says if ODA can't help them, the regional trade managers will connect people and companies with those agencies that can. It's part of a pivot in the Marketing Program to better serve the needs of Oregon agriculture no matter who it is or where they are located: "Every single part of the state is covered by a specific individual in this office who has responsibility for not only having that region geographically, but actually knowing the different and unique challenges that each region brings to a company."  

ODA trade managers have established themselves as key points of contact in all regions of the state. In addition to their other responsibilities, which includes, for some, occasional travel to international markets, trade managers are now taking frequent trips to those areas of the state for which they are assigned. While export assistance is still one of its many valuable services to agriculture, ODA is putting more emphasis on providing help with domestic and local marketing.

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