Early returns show that both county measures to limit genetically modified crops appear to be passing by margins of 58-66%. OPB reports. Separate measures to restrict genetically-modified crops in two Oregon counties won strong support in a first batch of election results on Tuesday.A Jackson County ordinance to ban growth […]

Natural Resource News Note: The state’s most watched ballot measure is the center of a controversy over a state survey. The Secretary of State mailed 24,000 voters in Jackson County questions over the GMO ballot measure 15-119 and also 15-121. Here is the Medford Mail Tribune reporting… “The timing of […]

No On Measure 15-119 A group of major agricultural organizations representing farmers and ranchers across Oregon and in Jackson County announced their opposition to Measure 15-119, Jackson County’s proposed crop ban. The groups – the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Seed Council, Oregon Wheat Growers League and Oregon […]

By American Farm Bureau Federation By Melissa George Kessler It’s time once again for Congress to decide how the government is going to spend its – meaning your – money. Wondering what that really means for farming and agriculture? Below are the top 10 things you should know. 10. Congress’ […]

Oregon Cascade Policy Institute By William Newell In February, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4126. This bill would allow utilities to purchase renewable energy certificates, or RECs, to meet Oregon’s renewable portfolio standards, rather than actually purchasing electricity produced by renewable sources. The bill is simply “greenwashing.” “Greenwashing” is […]

State clarifies role over GM crops Natural Resource News Note: The Oregon Department of Agriculture said this week that they are limited on their regulatory authority over GM farms. The discussion was featured in the Capitol Press this week. For biotech crops that remain regulated by the federal government, the […]

Oregon Farm Bureau “Farmland” by Oscar winner James Moll to be shown in Portland on May 15 Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Moll’s new feature length documentary, Farmland, will make its Oregon debut on May 15 at Portland’s Century 16 Eastport Plaza theater, 4040 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland. Farmland offers […]

By Cindy National Corn Growers Association Agriculture is a big part of the new White House climate change assessment report out this week. “Corn producers in Iowa, oyster growers in Washington state and maple syrup producers in Vermont are all observing climate-related changes that are outside of recent experience,” the […]

By Daily Digger Oregon Association of Nurseries Judge sides with growers in ‘hot goods’ issue A federal judge has confirmed an earlier ruling that two Oregon blueberry farmers were coerced into signing a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor over alleged labor law violations. According to the ruling, the […]

Natural Resource Note: The Oregon Hatchery Research Center is trying to fix a growing problem among fishermen which is hatchery fish are less likely to bite than wild fish.   Can science save the day?   Below is a news clip on these developments that made national ABC News. A growing body […]