[5]
By Oregon Association of Nurseries [6],
Great news: The Oregon nursery industry scored two big wins last week: The Oregon Legislature passed a budget reconciliation bill that contained $1.8 million to resurrect the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Japanese beetle eradication program. The funding bill awaits Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature. Additionally, a National Plant Board committee voted to retain Oregon’s Category 1 shipping status.
“Many kudos are appropriate, but special recognition goes to State Sens. Fred Girod (R-Stayton), Christine Drazan (R-Canby); Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) and Lew Frederick (D-Portland),” Oregon Association of Nurseries Executive Director Jeff Stone said.
License fee: “The bill also authorizes the ODA to hire two staff to help coordinate the JB effort utilizing the nursery license fee increase,” Stone said.
“As the National Plant Board committee met in Washington D.C., AmericanHort helped OAN lobby the committee to recognize the Oregon state funding and state eradication effort and convey Category 1 status to Oregon. This is a preliminary decision that would need to be ratified by the full National Plant Board,” Stone said. “OAN is grateful to Kamron Newberry, AmericanHort regulatory and trade policy coordinator, for his efforts on our behalf.”
OAN advocacy: “These wins reflect the impact of coordinated industry advocacy.” Stone said. “OAN worked closely with state leaders, national partners, and regulators to push for funding and protect Oregon’s shipping status. At the same time, OAN members responded to action alerts by making calls and sending emails to legislators. Together, those efforts helped ensure the nursery industry’s voice was heard at critical moments.”
Stay tuned: OAN will update members on further developments and another virtual meeting to update members is being planned for the end of the month.