The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

From Oregon Department of Agriculture,

A new voluntary certification program requested by blackberry growers and processors, and developed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture is now protecting the premium reputation of the Marionberry. Audits performed by ODA’s Commodity Inspection Division in the berry fields this month and at the processing facilities later this summer will verify that a Marionberry is a Marionberry and not a lesser-esteemed blackberry cultivar passed off as a Marionberry.

By Jim Welsh, Oregon Beef Producer Magazine
Oregon Cattlemen Association,

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife held their first Landowner Preference (LOP) Review meeting in Salem on December 19, 2007, led by ODF&W’s Craig Ely.  The official members of the review committee were representing Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Guides and Packers Association, Archery and one independent land owner.

By C. James Peterson, Professor, Oregon State University
Published in Oregon Wheat Magazine by Oregon Wheat Grower’s League.   Help support the OWGL here

Wheat is in the news. US and world wheat stocks are at unprecedented lows as a consequence of increased demand, erratic weather, and reduced acreage. Prices for wheat grain and flour are at unprecedented highs, pushed in part by the growing demand for maize for both feed and biofuels. There are renewed concerns regarding food and nutrition for the world’s poor and food security of developing countries, as evidenced by recent food riots. Food price inflation is being fueled by increasing oil and transportation costs.

By Oregon Department of Agriculture, 
 
The typical American consumer now is almost as likely to spend just as many dollars on food away from home as on food prepared at home. Recent statistics show a continuing trend towards dining out as the fast pace lifestyle of today shows no signs of slowing down. Oregon agriculture is poised to provide products to restaurants, hotels, and other sites where food is now being purchased.

PRESS RELEASE: Oregon Department of Human Services, Date: June 9, 2008

A multi-state salmonellosis outbreak involving contaminated tomatoes has reached Oregon, resulting in three laboratory-confirmed cases of the illness. Tests to confirm two additional cases are pending. Two of the cases are in Umatilla and Union Counties. The third, a Washington County resident, was possibly exposed in California.

From ORFI News June 2008, Oregon Forest Research Institute

A group of AmeriCorps volunteers has shown that, in getting an education, they also can give an education at the Rediscovery Forest. Eleven young men and women from around the country spent eight weeks at The Oregon Garden near Silverton as part of an AmeriCorps team. The young people, ranging in age from 18 to 24, worked on environmental restoration projects and built a half-mile long trail as part of OFRI’s Rediscovery Forest.

From Oregon Farm Bureau News

The Summer Ag Institute is looking for a few good K-12 teachers to participate in a week-long, three-credit, graduate-level class to introduce them to the agriculture industry, and how to incorporate ag into their classrooms. Session 1 is June 22-27 in Corvallis, and Session 2 is July 6-11 in Union/La Grande. The cost is only $400.  Get application here.