1/6/09 Optimism for the New Year

Optimism for the New Year. I'm Greg Martin with today's Line On Agriculture. It is always a bit scary heading into a new year. Sure, we try and look at it as a time to make positive changes but there are a lot of unknowns, especially after an election year. Agriculture is not immune from the ill effects of a troubled US economy, but the director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture remains optimistic that the industry can weather the storm in 2009. Katy Coba is beginning her seventh year as ODA Director. She remains upbeat although she recognizes the state of the economy. COBA: I do feel good about agriculture going into 2009. Certainly it's different than where we were a year ago. So much has happened just in the last six months, and it's connected to the economy and there is no doubt about it. Certainly, as the overall economy goes, it affects agriculture- both nationally and in Oregon. Coba says consumers still want and need food products, so that bodes well for agriculture. But access to farm credit is a big issue that needs to be addressed in the new year, just as it does for all economic sectors. The export market, so important to Oregon agriculture, may struggle in 2009 with the rising value of the US dollar. Environmental challenges and opportunities around renewable energy will most certainly involve agriculture. Bottom line, Coba is realistic about the New Year's expectations. COBA: Sitting in this chair a year from now, I would hope I could say that the industry was the same as we see it now. I hope they are able to hold their own in this challenging economy and that we can prepare to enjoy the rebound of the economy and position to take advantage of that. With a new administration in the White House and a new Secretary of Agriculture, Coba and the industry will be watching closely for new opportunities. Coba says one of the positive trends for Oregon agriculture continues to be the appreciation the public has for the industry heading into 2009. COBA: Overall, I still feel very, very good about Oregonians' interest and support for agriculture, for wanting to support Oregon agriculture, for wanting to buy local when they can, for being much more aware about agriculture. Coba says agriculture is not immune from the nation's financial crisis. Towards the end of 2008, farmers and ranchers were having some of the same troubles others have had with access to money. COBA: Availability of credit is a big issue for agriculture in the US and in Oregon. Hopefully, with the new administration and the continued focus on the economy, and the recognition that we've got to have credit available, that will help. That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.