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| Certifiably Oregon agriculture |
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| ODA shipping point inspector conducts GAP audit. |
By Bruce Pokarney
Google the term "agriculture certification programs" on the Internet and you will find nearly 2.5 million results. There are links to everything from the specifically local (Oregon's Weed Free Forage Program certification) to the ambitiously global (Saving the Amazon Rainforest Through Agricultural Certification). A proliferation of certification programs is available to agricultural producers, processors, and related businesses. Certification is quite often focused on the what (the product), but increasingly now focused on the how (the process used for production). In all cases, certification is designed to give a product a marketing advantage or, at least, access to the market in the first place. Certification is perhaps the wave of the future for Oregon agriculture, its roots are deep in the past, and its emerging relevance is grounded in the present.
Certification 101
What is certification? A simple question that sometimes gets lost in all the discussion about standards, processes, and inspections or audits. Answers can vary as much as the certification programs themselves. But to the director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, it boils down to something that may enhance the marketability of a product.
"Certification is one tool in the value-added toolbox," says Katy Coba. "That box may include processing, packaging, and certification. Any of these tools creates an opportunity to differentiate a product and add value to it."
Certification requires a set of standards that needs to be reached, uniformly applied, clearly documented, and shows an objective, auditable process to achieve compliance. Third party audits are performed on the product or process to ensure fair and unbiased results.
The historic reason for certification has been to simply sell more product. But in an increasing number of cases, certification is the key to staying in a market where specific characteristics of the product and its production are deemed necessary.
"The value of the certification is in the eyes of the beholder," says Jim Cramer, administrator of ODA's Commodity Inspection Division. "The certification has to have value to those receiving the product. Of course, it has to be credible. But you can create what you think is the greatest certification program in the world and if the customer perceives no value, it makes no difference."
Cramer says a simple matter of reconnaissance by industry will help determine an effective certification program. First, ask the customers what is important to them.
There has been a long history of certification of food products in Oregon, the US, and the world. Whether it is fresh or processed food, an increasing demand for certification is coming at the wholesale level, the retail level, and the consumer level. Certification programs can involve government standards or private sector standards. When certification involves assurance of food safety, government standards are strictly applied. Certification for quality or other potential desirable benefits may or may not involve government standards.
No matter what the commodity or product, no matter who is inspecting or auditing, a certification program aims to create a level playing field for all who participate.
Evolution on the farm and in the marketplace
Since the agency formed in 1931, ODA's commodity inspectors have certified billions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables through inspection at the shipping point. From fresh potatoes to hazelnuts to a variety of berries, ODA inspectors have certified that products meet the grade or contract requirements as agreed upon by the grower and the processor. Longstanding ODA certification efforts also include nursery and Christmas tree inspection, weights and measures inspection, and fresh fruit and vegetable export certification programs.
Markets have become more segmented. The challenge of competing in the marketplace has pushed many growers of all commodity types to seek out certification programs that enhance market entry and add value to the product. Markets may be mainstream or niche-both are now tough to crack without some extra effort that often includes certification. Today, even some of the traditional food wholesale and retail entities are requiring certification for a variety of reasons, including food safety and product traceability.
Increased consumer interest in where their food is grown, how it is grown, and whether that production is leaving an environmental footprint has led to an evolution in certification and an explosion in the number of programs. Some of the better-known ones for Oregon agricultural producers include organic certification through Oregon Tilth, Salmon Safe, Food Alliance (certifying sustainable practices), the LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) program for wine grape production, and ODA's Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP)-a certification program for fresh fruits and vegetables that ensures steps to reduce microbial contamination.
A total of 2.6 million acres in Oregon were enrolled in these five certification programs in 2005-06. That adds up to about 15 percent of total Oregon acreage in agricultural production. It does not include the myriad of other certification programs available to and used by Oregon growers in order to get into specific export markets, such as EUREPGAP for those selling in Europe or equivalent certification schemes in China, Japan, Mexico and many other countries.
"For our sweet cherries, certification has become a way of life and a ticket to both domestic and export markets," says Ken Bailey of Orchard View Farms in The Dalles, and vice-chair of the State Board of Agriculture. "We are taking advantage of the grower practices we have in place to get ourselves certified, especially now that so many markets we want to be in are requiring documentation of those kinds of practices."
In recent weeks, EUREPGAP has announced it is changing its title and logo to GLOBALGAP to reflect its expanding international role in establishing good agricultural practices mutually agreed upon between multiple retailers and their suppliers. The standards, according to GLOBALGAP officials, "are designed to reassure consumers about how food is produced on the farm by minimizing detrimental environmental impacts of farming operations, reducing the use of chemical inputs and ensuring a responsible approach to worker health and safety as well as animal welfare."
"You cannot get fresh fruits and vegetables into Europe unless you are certified," says ODA Director Coba, who has been talking about certification programs ever since she became familiar with them while on a trade mission to Europe five years ago. "It's an entry level requirement."
When government steps in
Sometimes the standards for a specific certification can vary depending on where the product is grown or who is doing the auditing. Organic certification is an example of what can happen without uniform application of standards.
"People in one part of the nation were not necessarily meeting the same organic standards as those in another part of the nation," says Cramer. "There was a push to establish a federal set of standards for organic that everyone needs to meet."
The National Organic Program is now in place, and the demand for organic certification continues to grow. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is ramping up its staff to be able to provide organic certification, if the industry requests it.
"It will still be the choice of the grower or processor." says ODA Director Coba, "They don't have to come to ODA. But if they ask for us and are willing to pay the fee for service, we can conduct the audit."
Sustainability certification, such as that offered by The Food Alliance, has gathered steam in recent years. Whether or not the ultimate consumer cares, wholesalers and retailers are increasingly demanding some proof that a grower or processor's activity involves "sustainable" practices that are eco-friendly and address such things as worker safety. It may be way down the road-if it happens at all-but a proliferation of sustainability certification programs could repeat the experience of the organic sector. A national standard for sustainability might be needed someday to ensure a clear and consistent definition to that stamp of approval.
Other ODA certification efforts include a weed free forage program that has certified 30,000 acres of straw and hay. Potential ODA programs being pursued by industry involve a good practices certification for dairy farmers, an identity preserved certification that ensures a Marionberry is really a Marionberry, and a certification for genetically modified-free (GM-free) alfalfa grown in Malheur County.
On the horizon
Critics and skeptics of certification for agriculture have argued that it would eventually become a new government regulation. In some senses, that might be true, especially in the case of organic certification and the phytosanitary certificates required to move product out of state or into export markets. But the driver has always been the market, not government.
"As soon as the market begins requiring certification, it is ODA's role to help producers get to a place where they can be certified and access that market," says Coba.
As certification programs have grown and evolved, some existing regulatory requirements have dovetailed nicely with certification components. As an example, ODA's water quality program addresses natural resource conservation and, in some cases, habitat restoration. By achieving water quality goals and implementing best management practices, producers may already be able to check the box on a specific certification standard.
"The regulatory requirements a producer already meets may be what that producer needs to do in order to meet a component of a certification program," says Coba. "So why not take credit for what is already being done?"
What happens if someone doesn't get involved in a certification program? Maybe nothing at all. There may be industry segments where certification doesn't make sense right now. In most cases, it remains voluntary, and there is a cost in getting certified. But if growers or processors find themselves in a position where the market may require certification of some kind, ODA and others are there to help, building a core element of expertise to assist those in need.
Certification is a business expense, but it may be a good investment. Especially if the day comes when having your product certified will be absolutely necessary for staying in business.
The need for OSARC
In this new brave world of certification, a little help can go a long way. The Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center is one of those ideas that seems to have no shortage of supporters, just a shortage of funding. The 2007 Oregon Legislature could not find the funding necessary to give life to OSARC, but the upcoming session in February is expected to take another look. That's two years after 27 public and private entities signed a declaration of cooperation that is at the core of OSARC. Among those signatories are the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University, the Food Alliance, Defenders of Wildlife, Norpac Foods, the Tillamook County Creamery Association, and Pendleton Grain Growers.
"The conservation community views OSARC as an opportunity to help farmers take advantage of new environmental options while the industry views it as an opportunity to help producers access markets," says ODA Director Katy Coba.
The center will provide a clearinghouse of information for growers, processors, and others interested in obtaining sustainable certification. A small OSARC staff would be able to connect those seeking certification with those who can provide the necessary components. It may be someone needing a habitat restoration component to their operation in order to gain sustainability-type certification. OSARC would match them up with an agency or organization that can offer assistance. It also may be help in taking the next step after certification-something ODA's Director believes is a shortcoming.
"Once producers become certified, they think all these doors will magically open in terms of being able to market their products. That doesn't happen. There's a real need to help farmers who have become certified in taking advantage of the market. OSARC can help."
Supporters of OSARC believe that it is important to get Oregon producers and processors in the position of getting certified, should they need it down the road. That's because the road to the future may very well depend on some kind of certification in order for agriculture to survive.
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| Board of Agriculture plans for the future |
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The State Board of Agriculture has positioned itself to be an informed and involved voice for the industry in the months and years ahead. A two-day planning session recently held in Umatilla County focused on identifying key issues facing agriculture. The board planning session came on the heels of an administrative staff retreat of the Oregon Department of Agriculture that also identified a list of critical issues. ODA staff briefed the Board of Agriculture at the planning meeting on these issues, which are now under consideration for further action by the 10-member board. Among the topic areas considered:
- Air quality. Field burning and regulation of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) with respect to air emissions are new concerns in the public and the industry. Historically, CAFOs have been regulated for water quality issues only.
- Monitoring resources and compliance issues for water quality, air quality, and pesticides. Current challenges include the cost to ODA for pursuing regulatory actions and having sufficient regulatory tools to address ongoing sources of pollution.
- Pesticide issues. As seen during the 2007 Legislation Session, proposals to restrict or further regulate the use of pesticides in Oregon will continue to be pushed by various interest groups.
- Water quantity. Planning for future agricultural water needs, as well as for other users such as municipalities, fisheries, and recreationists will be a major challenge for the agriculture industry, which relies heavily on irrigation.
- Food safety. In the wake of highly publicized food illness outbreaks this past year, the ongoing challenge of assuring the public of a safe food supply will be a high priority.
- Right-to-Farm. Increasing conflicts between urban Oregonians and adjoining farm operators are leading some in the industry to wonder if Oregon's legal protection of agricultural activities needs strengthening.
- Labor issues and alternatives. The need for an ample supply of agricultural workers is complicated by the unresolved issue of illegal immigration. Mechanization on the farm may be one answer to reducing reliance on labor.
- Renewable energy. Tremendous opportunities exist for Oregon agriculture in the production of alternative energy that includes biofuels, methane from animal waste, wind, geothermal, and solar.
- Invasive species. The proliferation of exotic and dangerous insects, weeds, and other non-native organisms is threatening the agriculture industry and Oregon's environment.
- Animal welfare. Public concern over the humane treatment of livestock continues to be an issue faced by agriculture.
- COOL (Country of Origin Labeling). The industry remains divided on requirements to specify on the label where the product comes from, despite an increasing demand by consumers.
- Sustainability certification. A wide variety of certification programs are being used to market agricultural products as customers demand to know that those products were produced in an environmentally sustainable fashion.
The Board of Agriculture will take up discussion on these items during its quarterly meeting in December to be held in the Portland area. Public input will be an important component to any actions the board may consider. (See director's column below.)
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| Director's column |
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When the State Board of Agriculture was legislatively changed from an advisory board to a policy making board a couple of years ago, it was an indication that ag was ready to be a player in issues important to our industry. In the past, board members were just as interested in critical issues facing agriculture, but did not have the same mandate and authority to deal with them. Times are different now. The most recent planning session is an indication of the board's serious deliberation and a willingness to confront some difficult topics in which there are no shortcuts or easy answers.
The planning session held by the board (see article above) has come at an opportune time. ODA held a management retreat a few weeks earlier in which we identified several internal issues as high priority items to deal with. But we also produced a list of industry issues that we felt merited attention by the Board of Agriculture. Staff members briefed the board on these issues during the planning session. Board members have concurred with our list and engaged in a meaningful discussion as those issues were examined in greater detail.
The board did not intend to make any decisions regarding these key issues but has wisely chosen to learn all it can before taking any action. Board members will be interacting with the industry and other interested parties over the next several weeks for feedback on how to proceed. When the board meets in December, I am hoping it will have some valuable reconnaissance from those who make their living in agriculture. I also hope for feedback from those who are not part of agriculture, but may be affected by some of these issues. Board members are anxious to hear all voices and develop a strategic plan of action to follow in future months and years. I encourage all interested parties to contact members of the Board of Agriculture and offer comment on any of the key issues outlined above. There will also be an opportunity for public comment during the December board meeting in the Portland area. Only at that time will the board be ready to consider action items connected to these issues.
Action items may include resolutions that support a position with respect to these issues. They may include the formation of sub-committees to further examine ways in which the board, the department, other agencies, the industry, or the public may help address an issue. But the key concept here includes the word "action." I have great confidence in the makeup of the Board of Agriculture and members' commitment to doing what they can. ODA will take a cue from these dedicated volunteers and be ready to respond to these issues.
I am not suggesting all that ails the agricultural world will be solved by the Board of Agriculture, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, or any strategy developed as a result of the recent planning discussion. The challenges are many and great. But any chance of successfully dealing with these key issues will rely on hard work put in by good people. The Board of Agriculture is a great place to start.
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| The Elam/Piper Century Farm |
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| Vicky Piper (L) and Louise Piper-Johnson (R). |
By Madeline MacGregor, ODA
Plucky and resourceful Louise Piper-Johnson and equally plucky and resourceful daughter-in-law Vicky, are fourth and fifth generation century farm "girls" living out the hard work and dreams of their homesteading ancestors. Vicky and husband Rick Piper (Louise's son) manage some 500 acres of their historic Milton-Freewater property, growing mostly wheat.
Louise is a bright star is in her eighth decade, and if she is slowing down her activities any, the evidence is hard to find. She revels in keeping her lowland fruit orchards tidy, and a small herd of organic Angus beef in tip-top shape. Louise and second husband John Johnson, peaceably coexist with the family's antiques, photos, and letters-residing in the circa 1912 house built by John Henry Piper, grandfather to Louise's late first husband, Richard Piper.
Since both Louise and Vicky are in-laws to the farm's original inhabitants, they jokingly refer to themselves as "outlaws." The two women seem to enjoy the double entendre connecting them to Umatilla County's pioneers and vivid tales of Milton-Freewater's past.
The Elam/Piper farm once stretched all the way to what is presently Milton-Freewater's busy residential and rumbling-with-traffic commercial hub. The original horse and cow barns that housed the dray teams of John Henry's early harvests remain pristine on the Piper property, providing shelter for Louise's Angus calves.
Two names for a small town
In the 1870s, Andrew Martin (A.M.) Elam married the daughter of pioneer William S. Frazier, and developed a string of profitable farm and farm-related businesses within the Milton-Freewater community. Andrew Elam and Martha (Frazier) purchased a portion of the land the Pipers presently farm, and established the Peacock Flour Mills, a mortuary, and a hardware store. Diverse and capable A.M. was elected the first mayor of Milton-the little city at the bottom of a big hill had not yet added "Freewater" to its name.
How Milton won its hyphenated second name remains shrouded in folklore-and there are two conflicting explanations according to Vicky and Louise. In one version, the town's citizens were divided over liquor-laws, and those who favored the sale of alcohol started an adjoining township called Freewater. In the second version, the town hoped to entice new citizens to move in by offering free irrigation water to all settlers-and advertised the relocation benefit by combining the word "free water" with Milton.
Wheat and water, the vital elements
The Piper clan joined bloodlines and farms with their neighbors, the Elams, when A.M. and Martha's daughter, Rachael Laverna, married John Henry Piper. The couple raised seven children, of which two sons, George and Elwood, took up the mantle of farming wheat on the hills and fruit on the plat.
Harvesting wheat (without motor driven machinery) on those same hills was as difficult as one can imagine. Teams of 25 horses and mules pulled custom threshers to a specific location. The machines would cut the grain and separate it from the stalk and husk, and sack it on the spot-a very advanced method for its time. The Piper family personalized their early 1900s combine with the added convenience of a cook shack. Meals were prepared onsite for the harvest crew while the sacked wheat was loaded into wagons destined for Elam's Peacock Mills.
Mills in and around the region were vital to the success of dryland wheat farming. In the 1800s, wheat was ground using millstones; but in the1900s a new technology utilized a series of rollers to reduce the grain into flour particles. Particles of different sizes were then separated into various products by the use of machines called sifters and purifiers. Although this new technology was advantageous for grinding hard spring wheat, winter wheat was the mainstay of the region's farmers.
Dryland farming in the modern world, as in the 19th century, requires a region rich with winter-dominant rainfall. It also demands producers specialize in water-use efficiency, maintain an expertise in soil nutrition and fertilizers, know the optimum time to sow, practice routine weed control and insect pest and disease management, and experiment with crop rotation. The Pipers have not only mastered the limiting factors in the production of dryland wheat, they have also incorporated alternative practices such as no-till into the family's sustainable lifestyle. However, water and irrigation rights are of increasing concern, and have become the worry of many a dryland wheat family. New worries move in with new neighbors, and new crops on the lowlands vie for well water; apple orchards are not always instant best friends with vineyards. The question for the Pipers becomes "how can we all get what we need to remain viable?"
Coincidence completes the circle
When Louise's husband Richard Piper passed away in 2001, daughter Kris advised her mother to attend grief counseling. As members of the support group took turns introducing themselves around the circle, they mentioned the dates on which their spouses had died. Louise Piper was astonished to hear widower John Johnson say that his wife had died on exactly the same day as Richard. There was even more of a surprise in store when Johnson shared with the group that he too, owned a century farm. Apparently the coincidence was more than random happenstance; Louise marvels at her incredible good fortune in meeting and marrying a good farming man, not once in a lifetime, but twice. John's family farm borders both Washington and Oregon, but he and Louise have made the Elam/Piper farm their home.
Two women carry forward traditions bestowed
Louise Piper-Johnson is an active member of the Milton-Freewater Historical Society and serves as its president. As such, she finds herself participating in events held at the Frazier Farmstead Museum. Inside the reverently restored home of the town's original founder, she finds herself face-to-face with the legacy of William S. Frazier, friend and father-in-law of A.M. Elam. Vicky Piper as well, represents a long lineage of farming on both sides of her family. She continues to help her husband with all phases of the Elam/Piper farm operation, driving tractors as well as keeping alive the oral history of her family's farming roots. If years from now one were to enquire of Louise and Vicky, as some did of John Henry in his day "So how did you do," the two outlaws would no doubt reply that they had done very well, indeed.
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| Agriculture industry builds momentum for renewable energy |
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When it comes to energy issues, the world is changing. Agriculture is positioning itself to be a player and major contributor to future energy resources. Concerns about how we power our nation and the world, the resulting impacts on the environment, and increases in the costs of traditional fuels and power sources, have all led to a tidal wave of research and investment in renewable energy. Interests have focused on a wide array of energy sources-biofuels, wind power, manure-derived methane, geothermal, solar, and wave energy, to name a few.
The field of renewable energy is exciting, and it's presenting new challenges and opportunities for Oregon agriculture. New markets for existing agricultural commodities create upward price signals, benefiting growers, but pressuring other segments of agriculture that have been traditional users of those commodities. Adjustments are occurring, new partnerships and business arrangements, new feeds and fuels, and new ways of doing business are emerging.
Legislation passed earlier this year in Oregon has provided farmers with new and expanded incentives to participate in renewable energy production and energy efficiency efforts. There are two major incentives for growers-one based on production or gathering of feedstock for biofuels or energy generation; the other for infrastructure, processing, or energy efficiency activities.
Biomass Production Tax Credit
To be eligible for this tax credit provided in House Bill 2011, growers must deliver biomass feedstock that is produced or collected in Oregon for bioenergy or biofuel to an Oregon processing facility. The credit rates for biomass are:
- For oil seed crops, $0.05 per pound. This might include such crops as canola, safflower, camelina, sunflower, flax, or other oilseed crops. These are crops that produce oil that can be converted to biodiesel.
- For grain crops, $0.90 per bushel, excluding corn and wheat; including but not limited to barley, triticale, oats or other grains. These are starchy crops that can be converted to ethanol through fermentation.
- For virgin oil or alcohol delivered for production in Oregon from Oregon-based feedstock, $0.10 per gallon. This incentive is primarily intended to encourage on-farm production/processing of biofuels. HB 2210 also provides a land-use change which enables growers to construct an on-farm processing facility on EFU land, if it is intended to process the grower's own feedstock and that of surrounding farms. This change does not allow large-scale, industrial construction on EFU land.
- For used cooking oil or waste grease, $0.10 per gallon.
- For wastewater biosolids, $10.00 per wet ton.
- For woody biomass collected from nursery, orchard, agricultural, forest or rangeland property in Oregon, including but not limited to prunings, thinning, plantation rotations, log landing or slash resulting from harvest or forest health stewardship, $10.00 per green ton. These are feedstocks that may be converted to ethanol as the technology is developed for commercialization.
- For grass, wheat, straw or other vegetative biomass from agricultural crops, $10.00 per green ton. These are additional feedstocks for ethanol production.
- For yard debris and municipally generated food waste, $5.00 per wet ton.
- For animal manure or rendering offal, $5.00 per wet ton. These materials can be converted to a variety of end products, depending on the technology used, including natural gas, biodiesel, etc.
The intent of the Legislature was to provide incentives for a wide range of feedstocks, without which a local renewable energy market cannot thrive and bring benefits to Oregon's rural communities. The legislation does not favor any technology, but helps address the risks and additional costs with bringing these feedstocks to processing facilities.
The biomass tax credit is eligible to any producer/harvester of biomass delivered to an Oregon biofuel/bioenergy processing facility. The grower retains weight tickets for delivery, uses these to compute the tax credit related to the specific feedstock, and takes the credit on taxes owed when filing income taxes. There is no pre-application process. A special "pass-through" provision allows a farmer to transfer the project's tax credit eligibility to a third party with the approval of the OR Department of Energy and appropriate paperwork filed with the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Oregon's 50 percent Business Energy Tax Credit for On-farm Efficiency, Feedstock Production, and Processing Infrastructure
Farmers who undertake energy efficiency efforts, such as installing variable speed motors, energy-efficiency lighting, solar heating, etc. can qualify for Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) to support these efforts.
Likewise, Oregon farmers who grow crops that are processed into transportation fuel may be eligible for the same credit. The incentive is a dollar-for-dollar credit against Oregon income taxes owed. The 50 percent tax credit is based on eligible project costs. It is claimed over five years at 10 percent per year. A special "pass-through" provision allows a farmer to transfer the project's tax credit eligibility to a third party in exchange for a one-time payment or "cash out" of approximately 35 percent. Maximum eligible costs are $20 million, per project, per year (or $10 million in credits at the 50 percent rate).
Eligible project costs are the capital costs necessary to plant, grow, harvest, store, crush or concentrate, and transport crops that are directed to production of ethanol or biodiesel. Costs for tractors, crop handling, silo storage, combines, trucks for transport, blowers, crushers, seed, or fertilizer are eligible to the extent that they produce biofuel crops. Equipment maintenance costs are not eligible for the tax credit. Biofuel crop farmers may claim initial capital investments for equipment only once as a tax credit eligible cost.
New or existing equipment (appraised remaining value) is eligible for credits at the pro-rated use rate. The credit may be claimed annually for the capital cost of seed and materials necessary for production during the biofuel crop growth season.
Farmers interested in the BETC credit for a project, whether energy efficiency, crop production, or on-farm biofuel refining, must first apply to the Oregon Department of Energy and have the project approved before proceeding. See: http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/BETC.shtml
Developments in Oregon's renewable energy efforts are fast and furious. Interested farmers are encouraged to watch closely, in the months to come, to determine where they may fit as part of Oregon agriculture's contribution to our energy future.
Contact Stephanie Page at ODA for more details: Phone 503-986-4565, or email spage@oda.state.or.us
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| ODA hires energy specialist |
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The 2007 Oregon Legislature, recognizing the need to help interested farmers respond to the growing demand for alternative energy and to address increasing energy costs, approved funding for a new position within the Oregon Department of Agriculture-a Renewable Energy Specialist.
Stephanie Page, who has been part of ODA's Water Quality Program for the past eight years, has been selected to fill the new position. Much of her job will be educating Oregon's agricultural producers about ways to lower their input costs and manage existing energy uses to save money, and evaluating with growers the usage of existing resources for renewable energy production under appropriate technologies, such as solar, wind, geothermal, methane gas from manure, crops and biomass to biofuels, micro-hydro, and other options. Stephanie's on-the-ground experience working with farmers and ranchers as a water quality planner will serve her well as she assists the industry when it comes to evaluating energy use, energy efficiency on the farm, and renewable energy possiblities.
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| It's crunch time for Oregon's Pesticide Use Reporting System |
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For those who fall under Oregon's Pesticide Use Reporting System (PURS) requirements, the reporting deadline is fast approaching. All 2007 pesticide applications must be reported online through PURS to the Oregon Department of Agriculture no later than January 31, 2008.
Now is a good time for those who have been filing to go back and check what is in the PURS system. Since this is the first year of operation for PURS, it is not surprising that the staff is noticing a number of problems. Among them-users are incorrectly using the "make similar report" button and filing more reports than intended. If you see more reports than you meant to file, call the PURS Info Line at 503-986-6472 to speak with a member of the PURS staff. They will help get the information corrected. ODA strongly encourages those who are filing to double check the information that has been submitted to make sure everything is accurate. Again, the PURS Info Line is there to help.
Maybe you haven't started filing your reports yet. Not sure what is required or where to start? Then you need to attend one of the many PURS help classes offered throughout the state this fall. ODA staff will be available in a local computer lab to provide one-on-one help registering and filing one or two reports into the PURS system. Be sure to bring your application records to take advantage of this opportunity. Visit the PURS Web site at http://oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/purs_index.shtml to see if there's a class in your area or call the PURS Information Line at 503-986-6472 to speak with a member of the PURS staff.
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| Farm Direct Nutrition Program celebrates tenth anniversary |
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For the past decade, thousands of low-income, nutritionally-needy Oregon families and seniors have been linked to farmers' markets and farm stands through the Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP). The 10 year anniversary was observed this summer in a series of special events as part of Oregon Farmers' Market Week as proclaimed by Governor Kulongoski. With 80 markets now participating in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to young families and seniors, the celebration extended throughout the state.
FDNP combines two successful programs of the past to reach nutritionally at-risk individuals. The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) serves pregnant and nursing women and their children with nutritional and medical needs. Eligible low-income seniors are also identified as a population in need of nutritional assistance. Both groups are now served by FDNP-a state-administered federal nutrition program that brings more than a million dollars into the hands of Oregon farmers each year.
ODA and the Oregon Deparatment of Human Services jointly administer the program. The partnership has been a good example of agency collaboration to the benefit of needy citizens. ODA specifically works with the vendors-the growers themselves-to ensure their participation in the program.
"Many farmers are delighted to participate in the program because it makes them feel good that these consumers are able to buy their product and get much needed nutritional value from their fresh fruits and vegetables," says Laura Barton of ODA's Agricultural Development and Marketing Division.
Under the program, $20 worth of two-dollar checks are provided to those enrolled in the WIC Program. Eligible low-income seniors each receive 30 dollars worth of three-dollar checks. These checks can be used through October 31, 2007 specifically to purchase locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables directly from authorized producers at farm stands and farmers' markets. ODA and DHS have also created a Farmer Friendly Bank Program that allows participating farmers to deposit these checks into banks and credit unions that will waive or reduce the fees to process these checks.
Since many low-income individuals don't normally shop at farmers' markets, the nutrition program has a side benefit of introducing new customers to the concept of buying direct from the farmer.
The Farm Direct Nutrition Program has grown from just eight participating markets 10 years ago to 80. More than 20,000 WIC families and nearly 30,000 seniors are being served by the program this year. Farmers have benefited as well. Between 1997 and 2006, $7.5 million have gone directly to local Oregon farmers through the program.
In recognition of the tenth anniversary of FDNP, special observances took place at farmers' markets in Bend, Grants Pass, Eugene, and Beaverton. Many participating markets remain open through October.
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| A sign of the times for Oregon agriculture |
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| Allinder Farms in Tualatin with one of the new signs. |
Motorists traveling the highways of Oregon can learn a little something about agriculture in the near future when new and improved crop identification signs are erected as part of an educational effort spearheaded by the Agri-Business Council of Oregon. Between now and next spring, there could be hundreds of new signs posted on farms located along major thoroughfares around the state, sure to answer the question, "I wonder what is growing in that field right there?"
The signs are a great way to show the traveling public the tremendous and unique diversity of crops in Oregon. If people know a little more about what Oregon produces, they are better able to appreciate the efforts of farmers and ranchers.
Chances are motorists have already noticed the older white signs with green lettering that identify the crop in the field. The sign program actually began in the early 1980s when the organization Oregon Women for Agriculture started putting up signs on their own farms in the central Willamette Valley. Those teaching tools became so popular that other producers wanted to erect signs on their own farms. When the task of providing and coordinating an increasing number of crop identification signs became too large, the Agri-Business Council (ABC) took over. A newly designed crop sign is now available and is re-energizing the effort.
"Ultimately, we're trying to educate all Oregonians-not just urban residents-about the vast diversity of product grown in our state," says ABC Executive Director Geoff Horning. "The dimensions of the sign will be the same as in the past, but a visual component is part of the redesign. There is an actual picture of the crop as well as the lettering, so that a sign posted in a field of alfalfa, for example, will include artwork as well as the name of the crop being grown. Motorists can easily see the lettering on the sign at 65 miles per hour, but the picture will enhance the identification."
Also on the sign will be an enhanced version of the "Landmark of Quality" logo associated with ABC that has been part of the old signs. The logo is a green outline of the state. There will also be the phrase "Oregon Agriculture. Everywhere. Every Day.TM" which has been the theme of a public image campaign developed by the Keeping Agriculture Viable (KAV) Committee. KAV is a standing committee of ABC.
The Agri-Business Council is still developing a plan to strategically place the signs, but it is expected that Interstate 5 and I-84 will be major targets-as long as there is agriculture next to the right-of-way. Individual farmers not living along the freeways are not excluded from the program. Producers can purchase the signs from ABC for $43.50 each (plus shipping and handling costs) and place them where they wish. The farmers are responsible for maintaining the signs throughout the year.
With more than 225 different commodities found in the state, it is unrealistic to think that crop identification signs will be posted for everything that grows in Oregon. But there are as many as three dozen different crops produced along a 45-mile stretch of I-5 between Portland and Salem alone. Travelers can expect many of them to be identified by signs within the next year. Plans include signs for other parts of the state as well.
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| Getting a sense for local foods in Oregon schools |
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| Parents and kids were asked to participate in a survey. |
Proponents of getting more nutritious and locally-grown foods into Oregon schools may have additional support thanks to a project just completed by Oregon State University and one just getting started by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Both efforts are connected to the Food Innovation Center (FIC) in Portland-a joint OSU and ODA facility that has assisted food companies and commodity groups through a variety of on-site services.
For OSU's part in the so-called farm-to-school effort, the on-site services were taken off-site. The Oregon State Fair offered an ideal venue to reach a cross section of adults and kids-both targets of a survey and taste test centered on getting healthy local food products into schools.
"More than 260 people took the test and represented all parts of the state, all age groups, all incomes, and all educational backgrounds," says Ann Colonna, manager of the FIC-based Sensory and Consumer Program, who took her staff, eight portable computers, survey questions, and a locally-produced breakfast bar to Salem during the State Fair to get some answers. "It looks like the results are encouraging for those who would like to get more local foods into Oregon schools."
A different set of survey questions was given to individuals in each of three categories-elementary school children, secondary school children, and adults who were most likely parents of the kids. The results will not come as a surprise to advocates of the farm-to-school movement.
"According to the survey, about 40 percent of those tested disagreed with the statement that purchasing a school lunch is a nutritious alternative to packing a lunch," says Colonna. "Yet, over half said they would be willing to pay a little extra to have locally-grown food in school."
Part of the sensory survey included a taste test. A breakfast bar containing Oregon-grown fruit and filled with nutrition was offered at the State Fair. The Zac O Mega breakfast bar was created specifically for schools, and is already used in the Beaverton School District and others. The reviews were positive for both the overall liking of the product and the packaging. Not only will the data help get the product into more Oregon schools, it might pave the way for similar local products.
Colonna says school districts and farm-to-school advocates now have some hard, objective data to take to such places as the Oregon Legislature to show that Oregonians are willing to pay more to get local foods into their local schools. She would like to repeat the survey in other locations where schools are interested in finding out what families think about a nutritious Oregon menu for kids.
The data is appreciated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, which is in the process of hiring to fill a new position dedicated to the farm-to-school efforts.
"In future legislative sessions, I am hoping that state funds will be dedicated for the purchase of locally-grown foods by Oregon school districts," says ODA Director Katy Coba. "That was the ultimate goal of proposed legislation this past session. By the time lawmakers meet again and can discuss the issue, I believe advocates of the farm-to-school movement will have made significant progress on demonstrating the benefits of such a program. I think it will be an offer the legislature can't refuse."
The farm-to-school survey conducted by OSU will be enhanced by an ODA project recently funded through a grant provided by the US Department of Agriculture's Federal State Market Improvement Program (FSMIP). The grant will support efforts that started last year to help increase purchasing of Oregon products by Oregon schools. The focus is on bringing together local food processors with representatives of school districts.
"Many Oregon agricultural products are available in forms that schools without scratch kitchens cannot purchase," says ODA Trade Manager Laura Barton. "This grant gives us an exciting opportunity to establish a school food purchasing advisory group and connect Oregon processors and school folks with the Food Innovation Center to develop several products utilizing Oregon ingredients that are desired for purchase by Oregon schools. Linking one processor to another who can offer a healthy desired finished product may create partnerships and potentially increase sales beyond schools, such as to health institutions."
The grant will also help ODA develop an interactive matchmaking system for processors and schools. An online database can be used to list identified processors and their products with school purchasers and their desired products. Contact information will be included for each entry in the database.
Other elements of the FSMIP funded project include a survey of schools to identify the desired local food products and volumes needed for breakfast, lunch, and snack programs. From the survey results, a top ten list of desired Oregon school food products will be developed with the objective of creating at least five products that can ultimately be purchased by school districts.
A system that links primary and secondary processors with school purchasers of food, as well as the creation of new products desired by schools, could end up being a template for other states. But Oregon agriculture stands to be the first beneficiary of the ODA project.
The ultimate goal is to get healthy, nutritious local food as part of the 47 million school lunches and 22 million school breakfasts served in Oregon each year. Combined, the OSU and ODA efforts, as well as those by the Ecotrust Food and Farms Program and others, continue to gather momentum. The result will be better foods for school kids and a new market for Oregon producers and processors.
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| ODA Food Safety Division goes OT in canned food recall |
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Although not as common as it was decades ago, botulism is still a serious disease. And when a nationwide product recall is ordered because of potential botulism contamination, agencies charged with providing food safety do what they can to protect the public. The Oregon Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Division logged in overtime hours this summer to make sure specific canned food produced by Castleberry under its own label and other labels was removed from store shelves throughout the state.
"I think it's safe to say that Oregon went the extra mile in responding to this recall," says ODA Assistant Director Lauren Henderson. "Our food safety staff collectively put in 700 hours over one weekend to assure the public that these potentially tainted products were no longer at risk of being sold."
The Castleberry products-ranging from canned chili to dog food-were largely removed from retail outlets across the nation. Getting the word out to the larger stores was not a big problem. But some of the smaller, so-called mom and pop stores were not necessarily aware of the recall. ODA ordered its sanitarians to inspect some of these smaller outlets and found that more than 10 percent still had the recalled food products for sale. Upon getting the word, those stores removed the products. ODA sent letters to all licensed retail outlets informing them of the recall. The extra layer of precaution and inspection appears to have worked out.
No cases of botulism poisoning were reported in Oregon. However, there were at least eight cases reported in other parts of the country. With updates immediately placed on ODA's Web site, the public was also given the information it needed just in case they had some of the product at home.
The Castleberry recall reaffirmed something all food agencies know-never take anything for granted. Communication is critical when it comes to food recalls.
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| 2007 Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program: ODA honors one of its own |
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| Charpilloz-Hanson family receives award from Director Coba. |
On September 1, 2007, six families accepted awards for century farm or ranch status. The event was held at the Oregon State Fair, site of the OCF&R ceremony since 1958.Included in the honor roll was the Schneider/Charpilloz Family Farm-the working farm of ODA Deputy Director Lisa Charpilloz-Hanson. Her Clackamas County farm was established in 1887. Currently the family breeds Hampshire sheep. Lisa's brother Michael grows grass seed on the farm.
Sharing the 2007 spotlight: the E.A. Chambers Farm, Linn County; the Duyck Family Farm, Washington County; Garland Nursery & Farm, Benton County; Larson Farm, Columbia County; and the Brett Gray Farm, Sherman County.
Congratulations to all our Oregon Century Farm & Ranch 2007 recipients. Remember that if your farm or ranch qualifies to be a hundred and fifty years old, the new sesquicentennial application deadline is November 1, 2007. Join us in a special event to be held at the State Capital building on Valentines Day, 2008. Download the application at: http://oregon.gov/ODA/cfr.shtml
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| Announcements |
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Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Fall Harvest Dinner and Auction
When: October 20, 2007
5:00pm social hour, 6:30pm dinner, 7:45pm auction
Where: Linn County Fair & Expo Center
Cost: $35 per person or tables of eight for $250.
Web: http://aitc.oregonstate.edu
2007 Oregon Strawberry Summit
When: Tuesday, October 30 (please RSVP by October 19 to 541-758-4043)
Registration: 8am. Program from 8:30am-4:30 pm
Where: Clackamas Community College, Gregory Forum
19600 S Mollala Ave., Oregon City
For members of strawberry industry.
Weed control grants available
The Oregon State Weed Board (OSWB) is accepting applications for noxious weed control grants. Applications are due December 3, 2007.
Call: 503-986-4622
Web: http://oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/grantindex.shtml
The Oregon Business Council-Leadership Summit
When: December 3, 2007
Where: Portland Convention Center
Web: http://www.orbusinesscouncil.org
Agriculture will be a featured. The summit will include an Oregon agricultural products reception.
Agriculture in the Classroom calendars now available
Calendars for the 2007-2008 school year are now available for $5 plus shipping and handling.
To purchase your school year calendar featuring student artwork, send a check for $6.50 payable to:
Agriculture in the Classroom, 105 Ballard Extension Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331
State Board of Agriculture meeting
December 10 and 11, 2007. Location to be determined.
For more information, please call 503-986-4758.
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