ODA Director Assesses Oregon Agriculture 2014

ODA Director Assesses Oregon Agriculture 2014

Despite some unique challenges cropping up the past 12 months, Oregon agriculture generally remains in great shape and is poised to do well again in 2014, according to Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba:

Coba:  "We have just been blessed, in general, with good weather, market prices that are holding firm. So we just continue see that steady increase coming out of the downturn in 2008. Most of the sectors of agriculture are really doing well. That's what we like to see." 

But 2013 was not without its challenges. The state gained international attention because of the discovery of genetically modified wheat in an Oregon field.

Coba:  "Thrilled in hindsight, but certainly going through that, it was a huge challenge for us and has raised to the next level the whole focus around genetically engineered agricultural products." 

Coba says the Oregon Legislature passed a bill that provides a statewide pre-emption of any local regulation of genetically engineered products, with the exception of Jackson County:

Coba: "The Governor signed that bill but agreed to pull together a task force to look at what should be a statewide policy or if there should be statewide regulation of genetically engineered agriculture. That work is going to start in January. This isn't only happening in Oregon. It's happening at the national level, it's happening in other states." 

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