FEED Validator

for Atom and RSS and KML

Congratulations!

This is a valid RSS feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

Feeds should not be served with the "application/octet-stream" media type [help]

line 7, column 44: Implausible date: Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:08:00 GMT [help]

<lastBuildDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:08:00 GMT</lastBuildDate>
                                            ^

line 10, column 97: Self reference doesn't match document location [help]

... " rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link>
                                             ^

line 162, column 0: style attribute contains potentially dangerous content: text-decoration-line (92 occurrences) [help]
```
<description><![CDATA[<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; f ...
```
line 445, column 0: description should not contain data-trackable attribute (4 occurrences) [help]
```
<description><![CDATA[<table class="text text--padding-vertical" width="100% ...
```
line 519, column 0: description should not contain data-link-type attribute (2 occurrences) [help]
```
    and their employees to inform our advocacy for the ag OT bill. To that e ...
```

line 557, column 0: description should not contain spellcheck attribute [help]

</span></p><p><a class="button_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/JeffHelf ...

Source: https://cdn.ymaws.com/oan.site-ym.com/resource/rss/news.rss

<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
<title>Nursery News</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Recent events, essential information and the latest community news. ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:08:00 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<pubDate>Wed, 4 Jun 2025 17:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright © 2025 Oregon Association of Nurseries</copyright>
<atom:link href="http://www.oan.org/resource/rss/news.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link>
<item>
<title>OAN ACTION ALERT: Water Rights Transfers</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702812/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702812/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Farmers’ future ability to transfer water rights is on the line with Senate Bill 1153, and we urgently need your help to defeat the bill.
<h3>What it does:</h3>
Senate Bill 1153, proposed by the office of Gov. Tina Kotek and requested by environmental groups, would require proposed water transfers in Oregon to undergo a public interest review for impacts on the environment and fish health. Transfers will be presumed
harmful, and the burden of proof will be placed on the applicant to show otherwise.
In a Rules Committee hearing on Tuesday afternoon, Steve Shropshire (Jordan Ramis on behalf of OAN)), April Snell (Executive Director of the Oregon Water Resources Congress) and Greg Addington (Executive Director of the Oregon Farm Bureau) outlined how
this bill will adversely impact agriculture.
<ol>
<li>It will set a vague standard of harm to stream flow and water quality.</li>
<li>This new standard will cause greater confusion and likely increase litigation costs.</li>
<li>The standard forces transfer applicants to prove they have not harmed a stream (proving the negative instead of the department bearing the burden of proof that the transfer causes harm).</li>
<li>The bill will add a workload to beleaguered staff at the Water Resources Department, who already have backlogs on water applications. Although the bill lists no fiscal impact, there’s no question it will cost the state time and therefore, money.</li>
</ol>
Despite our testimony, the legislation is expected to clear the committee on Wednesday afternoon and advance to the full Senate. Unfortunately, efforts to get the bill amended to protect agriculture, so that we can support it, or at least be neutral,
have been unsuccessful. We must defeat Senate Bill 1153 when it gets to the Senate.
<h3>OAN’s stance:</h3>
Oppose Senate Bill 1153 with the –10 amendment
<h3>What you can do:</h3>
The OAN is targeting nine key Democratic senators in hopes they will vote no. One is in your district. Please contact them ASAP and urge a no vote.
<h3>Contact your state senator:</h3>
<h4>Senator Floyd Prozanski</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 4 (Springfield/Eugene) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1704 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-413, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.FloydProzanski@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.FloydProzanski@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/prozanski" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Prozanski</a>
<h4>Senator James I. Manning Jr.</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 7 (Eugene) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1707 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-213, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.JamesManning@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.JamesManning@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/manning" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Manning</a>
<h4>Senator Deb Patterson</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 10 (Salem) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.DebPatterson@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.DebPatterson@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/patterson" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Patterson</a>
<h4>Senator Courtney Neron Misslin</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 13 (Wilsonville) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1713 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-425, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.CourtneyNeronMisslin@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.CourtneyNeronMisslin@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/neron" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Neron</a>
<h4>Senator Janeen Sollman</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 15 (Forest Grove/Cornelius/Hillsboro ) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-207, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.JaneenSollman@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.JaneenSollman@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/sollman" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Sollman</a>
<h4>Senator Mark Meek</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 20 (Happy Valley) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1720 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-417, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.MarkMeek@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.MarkMeek@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/meek" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Meek</a>
<h4>Senator Lew Frederick</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 22 (N.E. Portland) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1722
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-419, Salem, OR 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.LewFrederick@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.LewFrederick@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/Frederick" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Frederick</a>
<h4>Senator Chris Gorsek</h4>
Party: Democratic 
District: 25 (Gresham) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1725 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-403, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.ChrisGorsek@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.ChrisGorsek@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/gorsek" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Gorsek</a>
<h4>Senator Anthony Broadman</h4>
Party: Democrat 
District: 27 (Bend) 
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1727 
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-423, Salem, OR, 97301 
Email: <a href="mailto:Sen.AnthonyBroadman@OregonLegislature.gov">Sen.AnthonyBroadman@OregonLegislature.gov</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.OregonLegislature.gov/broadman" target="_blank">OregonLegislature.gov/Broadman</a>
<h3>What to tell your state senator: </h3>
<ol>
<li>This bill is not simple. Water law It is very complex and this bill has unintended consequences to your operation if you would request a water transfer.</li>
<li>Water transfers are the only way for us to move water around our property for a variety of reasons. These can include a failed well, climate change adaptation, flooding changing the course of a stream, among other reasons.</li>
<li>The new environmental standard in the bill is really vague. It will result in more lawsuits – especially by third parties who have nothing to do with our business.</li>
<li>The bill places the burden on family farm operations to hire expensive water rights consultants and lawyers to “prove the negative” if OWRD decides that a transfer will contribute to the loss of fish habitat. This will be extremely costly if not impossible
to do. </li>
<li>Water Resources Department is already overburdened and cannot get their work done. This will add cost and workload and make the department fall even farther behind in their core duties.</li>
<li>The OAN provided thoughtful, well researched proposals for how to address our remaining concerns with this bill and make it something we could accept. The Governor’s office rejected those proposals.</li>
<li>The bill is a solution looking for a problem. Through many meetings with the Governor’s office, the OAN asked them to provide us with specific examples of how past agricultural transfers had caused the type of harm they believe this bill prevents.
They we unable to provide us with a single specific example.</li>
</ol>
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Stone at JStone@OAN.org or 503-682-5089.
<h3>Sample Email:</h3>
Dear ,
My name is (or name of organization is) _______, I live in (we are based in) _______, and I/we urge you to engage on House Bill 1153 – which would be devastating to the family farm and is simply a step too far by the proponents of the legislation.
[Body of Email; beginning with the bill and what it does; followed by a personal story that reinforces why the committee should oppose the bill; stats and other useful talking points —this could be a few paragraphs.]
Thank you for your time and attention. We would respectfully request you vote no on Senate Bill 1153.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 4 Jun 2025 18:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pendleton weather office to lose overnight forecasts</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702695/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702695/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Pendleton, Oregon’s National Weather Service Office is set to no longer staff overnight meteorologists because of recent cuts by the Trump administration, potentially resulting in fewer emergency weather updates for much of Oregon and Washington, according to Capital Press, an agricultural newspaper in Salem, Oregon. The Pendleton office is one of seven regional offices set to halt overnight staffing, according to the Washington Post. Why it matters: One of the main duties for the Pendleton office is to provide forecasting and hazardous weather warnings for parts of Washington and much of Central and Northeast Oregon, including the snow-ridden eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. According to the National Weather Service’s website, the office provides daily forecasts and emergency reports for commuters and residents about general weather, snow conditions, hail storms, wind storms, thunderstorms, flooding, freezing rain and heat waves. The National Weather Service offices also provide reports specific to fire weather, which helps firefighters respond appropriately to wildfires during the summer based on wind and heat conditions. <a href="https://capitalpress.com/2025/05/19/oregon-weather-office-set-to-lose-key-overnight-forecasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Read more</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Jun 2025 18:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Get certified to provide Worker Protection Standard training</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702696/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702696/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Details: The Oregon Department of Agriculture is partnering with several groups to provide a two-day Worker Protection Standard training for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. For the first time in over five years, an EPA-approved regional bilingual training event is scheduled to improve knowledge and skills to provide annual pesticide safety training at agricultural establishments. Meals and refreshments for both days are included in registration. When: June 17 and 18 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.Where: Pine Grove Grange. 2935 Van Horn Drive, Hood River. Cost: $85, includes materials, lunch, coffee, pastries and snacks for both days. How: This two-day workshop will run concurrently in two sessions based on the language of your preference: English or Spanish. The workshops will include hands-on activities and skill development, and participants will be provided with educational materials. <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORODA/bulletins/3dfb56e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Find more information</a><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/english-language-worker-protection-standards-train-the-trainer-tickets-1338018823319?aff=erelpanelorg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Register for English session</a><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spanish-language-worker-protection-standards-train-the-trainer-tickets-1338005643899?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Register for Spanish session</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Jun 2025 18:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farwest launches Career Boulevard, offers students free admission</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702694/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702694/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What’s Career Boulevard? This year at the <a href="https://farwestshow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Farwest Show</a>, August 20–22 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OAN is introducing a new area tailored to students, recent graduates and career explorers in the green industry. Students will be introduced to exciting opportunities in horticulture, landscaping, nursery management and related fields. Students can explore career paths in horticulture and landscaping, tap into internship and scholarship resources, browse job boards, and make valuable networking connections. Free 3-day trade show passes are available for students (use comp code: GROWHERE25). A Discounted Education Pass is just $49 ($69 after July 31) and includes access to all three days of expert-led seminars and pesticide classes. OAN members can help publicize this unique opportunity to students. If you’d like printed flyers, digital graphics, or a short blurb for your website or newsletters, we’d be happy to provide those. Email <a href="mailto:Farwest@OAN.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Farwest@OAN.org</a>.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Jun 2025 18:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ag workforce standards bill becomes a study instead</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702691/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702691/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Backers in the Oregon Legislature have abandoned an effort to set up an Agricultural Workforce Standards Bill this session, hoping to instead fund a study through Portland State University. The bill: The original version of House Bill 2548 would have created an Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board to adopt new wages and set new regulations at least every two years. Opponents of the bill compared it to de facto unionization of farmworkers being imposed by the state. The more recent <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/ProposedAmendment/29321" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">— 7 amendments</a> (PDF) would simply create a study to look at issues the board would have addressed. These include wages, worker safety and risks, worker benefits, gender dynamics, worker financial security, grievance procedures, access to training, access to legal protections, and overall labor conditions.  The problem: “We already have agricultural workforce standards that are higher than all of our competing states,” OAN contract lobbyist Bill Perry told OAN leaders on Wednesday.  What’s next: The House Rules Committee will hold a hearing on those amendments tomorrow (Thursday, May 29) at 3 p.m. OAN past president Jim Simnitt of Simnitt Nursery will testify against the bill on behalf of the nursery industry and OAN.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Jun 2025 18:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Analysis finds strong consumer garden purchases despite economic concerns</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702692/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702692/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The headline: Even though nurseries are concerned about tariffs and their potential economic impact, garden center customers don’t seem to be, at least when it comes to their gardening, reports Ball Publishing. Garden Media Group’s Garden Pulse: Spring 2025 Analysis is out and reveals some strong numbers. Highlights: <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Frontline sales at independent garden centers are nearly identical to those of 2024 and are up 27% from 2020, with strong demand for edibles and ornamentals.</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">As of March 2025, garden centers using Square have seen an 8.6% increase in processing gross profit and a 9.3% increase in transaction volume compared to 2024.</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">2025 early spring garden sales are just 3.9% behind 2024 sales, despite the dismal weather in many parts of the country so far this spring.</li></ul> <a href="https://gardenmediagroup.com/the-beet-goes-on-garden-pulse-spring-2025-analysis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #3d6d38; font-weight: bold;">Download the complete analysis</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Jun 2025 18:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Water transfer bill remains alive in Legislature</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/702690/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/702690/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Still alive: As the 2025 Oregon Legislature winds towards a close, Democrats and the environmental community are continuing efforts to pass a bill requiring proposed water transfers in Oregon to undergo a public interest review for impacts on the environment and fish health. This would further inhibit the ability of farmers to obtain a needed water supply. Transfers of existing rights are one of the few avenues left, and even those are usually beset by long bureaucratic delays. OAN opposes: The agricultural community has succeeded in exempting groundwater transfers from the review in many cases, but not all. Meanwhile, surface water transfers still would require it. The costs and specifics of the bill remain clouded, and the good news is, these are obstacles to getting it passed. “The most recent version of the legislation has incorporated very few of the changes ag has requested,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “Exempting groundwater transfers benefits ag, but the bill is still fundamentally wrong. It’s based on untrue assumptions that transfers are harmful.”  The process: Three agricultural groups — Oregon Association of Nurseries, Oregon Farm Bureau and Oregon Water Resources Congress — have been included in a workgroup reviewing the proposed legislation. Also included? Key legislators, members of Gov. Tina Kotek’s natural resources staff, and representatives of municipalities, indigenous tribes and the environmental community. MVP: OAN’s legal counsel, Steve Shropshire of Jordan Ramis P.C., has represented OAN in this process. “Steve has articulated very well the negative impacts of this legislation on agriculture,” Stone said. Shropshire, for his part, noted that the bill imposes vague tests on transfer applicants and assumes that water transfers harm the environment and fish runs. That hasn’t been proven. “If they can’t prove it on the front end, we won’t be able to disprove it on the back end,” he said. Up next: The Legislature has entered a late-session phase where hearings can be held on short notice. The OAN stands ready to act when needed and will enlist the help of member growers to illustrate the negative impacts of the bill. “The process has been very disingenuous, and now it’s time to fight,” Stone said.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Jun 2025 18:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farwest Show expands tour offerings for 2025 edition</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/698761/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/698761/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[See Oregon Nursery Country: This year’s Farwest Show, the biggest and greenest show in the West, will be showcasing growing excellence like never before with three daylong multi-stop tours of Oregon Nursery Country. The tours include a Wholesale Grower Tour, a Garden Center Retail Tour, and — new this year — an Automation Tour. Each will be held Tuesday, August 19, the day before the show opens. The Farwest Show is August 20–22 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Don’t wait: “Our grower and retail tours have been selling out quickly the last several years, so it made all the sense in the world to add a third one,” said Jamie Moore, events and education coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. “The result is our all-new Automation Tour, which will provide an inside look at a machine-driven nursery innovation, and three growers making great use of the technology.” The tours include luxury motor coach transportation, lunch, beverages and snacks. <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Wholesale Grower Tour — The tour will provide a deep dive into some of Oregon’s best tree and shrub growers in the Cascade Range foothills, under the backdrop of majestic Mt. Hood. They include <a href="https://jfschmidt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.</a>, <a href="https://www.jhnsy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">John Holmlund Nursery LLC</a>, <a href="https://hansnelson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Hans Nelson & Sons Nursery Inc</a>., and <a href="https://www.donmarjamanursery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Don Marjama Nursery Co.</a> It’s a chance to learn about propagation, grafting and bare-root vs. potted plant production.</li></ul> <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Retail Garden Center Tour — The tour will take you from the heart of Oregon Wine Country to some of the most innovative retailers in the Portland area. The day will begin at <a href="https://durantoregon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Durant at Red Ridge Farms</a>, which is Oregon’s premier olive tree nursery and olive mill. It offers olive oil tasting and a great selection of herbs, edible landscape trees and shrubs. The farm is also home to a vineyard and winery. Next up is The <a href="https://www.thegardencorner.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Garden Corner</a>, home of the Garden Rebels, which features the world’s largest hanging basket. The last stop? <a href="https://www.portlandnursery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Portland Nursery</a>, a landmark known for broad selection and amazing houseplants.</li></ul> <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Automation Tour — This one’s all about equipment as well as application. Participants will see cutting-edge nursery automation equipment being built at <a href="https://gkmachine.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI49eRhaXLjAMV2BCtBh0lczaVEAAYASAAEgLQjfD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">GK Machine Inc.’s</a> state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and tour a prototype of a fully-automated smart-greenhouse. Stops to follow will include three innovative nurseries that are redefining the future of the nursery industry through automation — <a href="https://www.bountifulfarms.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Bountiful Farms Nursery Inc.</a>, <a href="https://woodburnnursery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas Inc.</a>, and <a href="https://www.brentanos-treefarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Brentano’s Tree Farm LLC</a>.</li></ul> Register now: Tour and expo registration is now open at <a href="https://farwestshow.com/Register/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">FarwestShow.com/Register</a>. The cost for each tour is $124 per person if purchased by July 31, or $139 if purchased later. Participants are encouraged to register early, as tour space is limited! <a href="https://farwestshow.com/hotel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Official Farwest hotels</a> are also available for booking, and make for a nice headquarters for the weeklong trade show experience. Complete details are available at <a href="https://farwestshow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">FarwestShow.com</a>.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Free pesticide collection event planned in Clackamas</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/698762/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/698762/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Details: A free agricultural pesticide collection event is being held Saturday, May 17, at Clean Harbors, 16540 SE 130th Ave. in Clackamas. The event is being sponsored by the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District and the Clackamas River Water Providers. Why participate? This is a great chance for producers, forest landowners, and other commercial and industrial pesticide users to get rid of old, restricted, or no longer used pesticides, surfactants, and adjuvants at no cost. So, go through outbuildings, barns, and sheds to remove these chemicals. No fertilizers, solvents, or other non-pesticide materials will be accepted. Limited spots: The event is free and anonymous, but you must sign up in advance by May 5 to receive an appointment. <a href="https://conservationdistrict.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Download registration forms and instructions</a> Questions? Contact Michael Mason of Clean Harbor Environmental Services at 971-401-0367 or by email at <a href="mailto:Mason.MichaelR@CleanHarbors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">Mason.MichaelR@CleanHarbors.com</a>.  If you miss the May 5 deadline, call Clean Harbors to see if there’s still room for you to participate.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Three water transfer bills move forward as expected</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/698760/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/698760/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2548" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">House Bill 2548</a>, the agricultural workforce standards bill, is expected to advance on Wednesday — the last day to move bills out of committee. The House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards will take up the bill this afternoon (April 9) and is expected to move it along to the Rules Committee. The bill is strongly opposed by agricultural organizations. The Oregon Association of Nurseries has made it a top priority to defeat the bill. The substance: The bill would create an unelected governing body and give it the authority to set increased workplace regulations for Oregon farms at least every two years. It would be empowered to set new hourly and piece-rate wages; establish requirements for rest breaks, work schedules and working hours; provide uniform training on worker rights; and establish new workplace health and safety requirements in addition to those already adopted by Oregon OSHA. It would also eliminate at-will employment for ag and put the burden of proof on employers to justify terminations. Objections: Farmers have compared the bill to forced unionization of the entire agricultural workforce. They have said the bill threatens the ability of family farms to operate, while allowing officials to set wages and safety rules that go far beyond current protections. They have questioned why ag is the only sector losing the right to terminate employees at will, and said this provision will drastically increase litigation costs for employers. What’s next: If passed Wednesday, the bill can remain in play through the end of the session in June. <a href="https://www.oan.org/page/legagenda25" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #753756; font-weight: bold;">View OAN’s 2025 state and federal legislative agenda</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 9 Apr 2025 20:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>OAN ACTION ALERT: Protect Nursery Jobs — Oppose HB 2548</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/695801/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/695801/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<table class="layout layout--heading layout--1-column" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; min-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="column column--1 scale stack" align="center" valign="top" style="width: 610px;">
<table class="text text--heading text--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" align="center" valign="top" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #717a80; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2; display: block; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px 20px;">
OAN ALERT
Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table class="layout layout--1-column" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; min-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="column column--1 scale stack" align="center" valign="top" style="width: 610px;">
<table class="text text--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" align="left" valign="top" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #1a191a; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; display: block; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;">
<a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB2548" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #628e58; font-weight: bold;">Oregon House Bill 2548</a>
<span
style="font-weight: bold;"> would create a new Agricultural Workforce Standards Board. The bill was crafted by unions and trial attorneys who evidently do not want to spend the time or money to unionize farm by farm, so they
are proposing a “workforce standards board” to bargain for our workforce at the sector level. This legislation would make it so expensive and risky to employ people, that many farms would have no choice but to reduce
their footprint in Oregon, lay off employees, or sell to the highest bidder.
 
Urgent action is needed. The bill is the subject of a short-notice hearing taking place this Wednesday, March 12, at 3 p.m.
<span
style="font-weight: bold;"> in the Oregon House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards. We need all hands on deck submitting written testimony against this bill.
<p
style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 
What it does: HB 2548 includes two provisions that effectively “unionize” farm work at the industry level:
 
<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">It creates an unelected governing body with the authority to set increased regulations for Oregon farms at least EVERY TWO YEARS, including:</li>
<li class="indent-1"
style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Set higher minimum wage (estimated over $20);</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Set piece-rate wages;</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Establish requirements for rest breaks, work schedules and working hours;</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Provide uniform training on worker rights by state-certified worker organizations (i.e. unions and trial attorneys); and</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Establish new workplace health and safety requirements in addition to those already adopted by Oregon OSHA.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">It eliminates at-will employment for agriculture, dictating how farm employers can discipline or terminate workers. Further, it creates a private right of action against
employers who make termination or disciplinary decisions that an employee or trial attorney disagrees with.</li>
</ul>
 
The bill also contains an emergency clause making it effective immediately upon passage.
 
OAN’s stance: Oppose House Bill 2548.
 
What you can do:
 
<ol style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Submit written testimony through the legislative website. <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Testimony/HLWS/HB/2548/0000-00-00-00-00?area=Measures"
rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #628e58; font-weight: bold;">Click here to start</a><a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Testimony/HLWS/HB/2548/0000-00-00-00-00?area=Measures"
rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #628e58; font-weight: bold;">.</a></li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Testify in person or remotely at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Note: Only a limited number of people will be able to do this. If you are interested, contact Jeff Stone at 
<a
href="mailto:jstone@oan.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; font-style: italic; color: #628e58; font-weight: bold;">JStone@OAN.org</a> or text 971-235-3868.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Write to your state senator and/or representative. (<a href="https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=fd070b56c975456ea2a25f7e3f4289d1" rel="noopener noreferrer"
target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #628e58; font-weight: bold;">Find your legislator</a>.)</li>
</ol>
The following legislators are on the committee:
<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Chair Rep. Dacia Grayber (D-Portland)</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville)</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Rep. Lesly Muñoz (D-Woodburn)</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Rep. Shelly Boshart-Davis (R-Albany)</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Rep. Lisa Fragala (D-Eugene)</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Rep. Travis Nelson (D-Portland)</li>
<li class="indent-1" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em;">Rep. Anna Scharf (R-Dallas)</li>
</ul>
 
What to say:
 
<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 threatens my ability to keep farming. Oregon already has some of the highest labor costs in the country, and after several tough years, I can’t afford more regulations
and wage increases.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 would give unelected officials the power to set wages and safety rules that go far beyond current protections. This would add more regulatory burden to small
farms like mine. Farmers know how devastating this regulatory model is. Oregon’s state agencies have adopted very harmful regulations in the last five years with little to no accountability for their actions.
This board would be no different; its members aren’t even elected.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 unfairly targets agriculture by taking away at-will employment. This means I wouldn’t be able to make necessary staffing decisions without the risk of costly
lawsuits. One claim can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Farms should not be forced keep employees who may not meet performance expectations or adapt to the demands of the job. All other sectors in Oregon would be at-will,
but farms—whose employment needs are impacted by weather, yields, trade, market conditions, pests, diseases, etc.—would not. Not only is that unfair, but it would likely result in job loss, not job security.</li>
<li
style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 doesn’t help workers or consumers; it just makes farming harder and more expensive. I have already had to reduce hours for workers to comply with agricultural
overtime, and this bill would have even more severe consequences.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 shifts the burden of proof. The proposal would require employers to prove the reasonableness of a termination, shifting the burden to them. Family farms and
ranches would be vulnerable to costly litigation, as they would need to defend against employment claims, even in situations involving market conditions, poor yields, or weather events.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 would increase litigation costs. Family farms already face enormous financial strain. It costs around $75,000 just to settle a claim before it reaches court.
Adding legal risks will only increase financial pressure, especially for small, family-run operations.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 would increase economic hardships. Many Oregon farms are already struggling with poor yields and low commodity prices. Most will spend the next several years
recovering from cash losses incurred in 2023 and 2024. This proposal adds another layer of uncertainty that could force family farms into financial ruin.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 would take away staffing flexibility: The proposals limit necessary flexibility for staffing and termination decisions, making it harder for employers to navigate
the unpredictability of farming. These restrictions could lead to difficulty in hiring and maintaining a workforce.</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">HB 2548 would threaten the livelihood of family farms and ranches by imposing unnecessary legal burdens. It increases costs and limits the flexibility needed to manage
agricultural businesses. At a time when family farms are struggling to stay afloat, the Legislature should reject this punitive concept.</li>
</ul>
 
How to submit testimony
<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Follow the letter of support template below</li>
<li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Once complete, email your letter to the committee and CC your legislators. Please ensure that your letter is in PDF format.</li>
</ul>
 
*All submitted materials will be viewable by the public, including names, addresses, phone numbers and any other personal information that is included in the materials.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Stone at <a href="mailto:jstone@oan.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #628e58; font-weight: bold;">JStone@OAN.org</a> or
503-682-5089.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table class="divider" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" align="center" valign="top" style="padding: 10px 20px; width: 100%;">
<table class="divider_content-row" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 456px; height: 1px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="divider_content-cell" align="center" style="padding-bottom: 6px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; background-color: #628e58; border-bottom-width: 0px;"><img alt="" width="5" height="1" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px;"
/></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table class="layout layout--1-column" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; min-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="column column--1 scale stack" align="center" valign="top" style="width: 610px;">
<table class="text text--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" align="left" valign="top" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #1a191a; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; display: block; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;">
Sample Letter:
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table class="layout-margin" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="layout-margin_cell" align="center" valign="top" style="padding: 0px 20px;">
<table class="layout-border layout-border--dashed" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; border-width: 2px; border-top-style: dashed; border-left-style: dashed; border-color: #628e58; border-image: initial;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="layout-border_cell" align="center" valign="top">
<table class="layout layout--coupon layout--1-column" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; min-width: 100%; background-color: #ffffff;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="column column--1 scale stack" align="center" valign="top" style="width: 500px;">
<table class="text text--coupon text--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" align="center" valign="top" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #1a191a; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; display: block; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;">
(your logo here)
 
Month Day, Year
 
To: (who?)
From: [Name of Individual/Organization Submitting]
RE: (Bill in question)
 
(Salutation, naming legislator or relevant committee chairs)
 
My name is (or name of organization is) _______, I live in (we are based in) _______, and I/we urge you to support/oppose (what?).
 
[Body of Testimony; beginning with the bill and what it does; followed by a personal story that reinforces why the committee should approve/oppose the bill; stats and other useful talking
points —this could be a few paragraphs, but shouldn’t be longer than a page single spaced.]
 
Some helpful talking points: (see above)
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> ]]></description>
<category>Action Alert</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Chemeketa seeks nurseries’ support on bond renewal for CTE infrastructure</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/695331/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/695331/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<table class="text text--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><tbody><tr><td class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" align="left" valign="top" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; display: block; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;">The bond:Chemeketa placed a capital projects bond measure on the November 2024 ballot and it failed to pass, but a large proportion of voters did not realize that it was a renewal bond and would not have raised the property tax rate, according to Chemeketa Community College President Jessica Howard. “As a result, we are trying again with voters in May 2025.” Why it matters: If passed, this bond will primarily fund improvements to spaces, buildings, and infrastructure associated with its career and technical education (CTE) programs. “[The nursery industry is] uniquely positioned to appreciate the value Chemeketa provides to our region through cutting-edge CTE and workforce training. Indeed, programs like horticulture are essential to grow our businesses and enhance the vitality of our communities,” Howard said. How to help: “Passing this bond is critical toward that end, and we need whatever support you can provide. It could be as simple as spreading the word in your own networks, putting up a sign, or endorsing the bond on behalf of your business. If the bond doesn’t pass this go-around, existing programs at the college are at risk,” Howard said.</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="button button--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><tbody><tr><td class="button_container content-padding-horizontal" align="left" style="padding: 10px 20px;"><table class="button_content-row" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr><td class="button_content-cell" align="center" style="background-color: #562b4a; border-radius: 0px; width: inherit; border-spacing: 0px; padding: 10px 40px; border-style: none;"><a class="button_link" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfs_HWHXT80xHEdekqx3gENuuaUlv0U8UXRhUh9yA2lbtvkwA/viewform" target="_blank" data-trackable="true" style="font-size: 16px; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-weight: bold;">Get involved</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> ]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Mar 2025 15:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Entries sought for 2025 New Varieties Showcase at Farwest</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/695330/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/695330/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The 2025 Farwest Show is now accepting submissions of new plant introductions for the upcoming <a href="https://farwestshow.com/new-varieties-showcase-submissions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">New Varieties Showcase</a>. The showcase is an annual highlight at Farwest, the biggest and greenest trade show in the West. The show is August 20–22 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Why enter? “New breeding and new introductions drive consumer interest, improve garden performance and push the industry forward,” said Allan Niemi, director of events for the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “This trade show feature is a great opportunity for breeders and growers to reach and inspire more than 4,000 passionate retailers, brokers, garden writers, and industry leaders who browse the dazzling exhibit in search of the latest and the greatest new plant introductions.” For 2025, two tiers of entry are being offered: Tier 1 entries will be featured on <a href="https://farwestshow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">FarwestShow.com</a> and displayed in the New Varieties Showcase on the floor with Hip Labels plant tag labels. Added-value incentives for Tier 1 entries include a layout in the July issue of Digger magazine ($750 value) and Hip Labels plant tag take-aways for attendees. Each Tier 1 submission costs $250. Submission deadline is April 11. Tier 2 entries will be featured online at <a href="https://farwestshow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">FarwestShow.com</a> and displayed in the New Varieties Showcase on the floor with Hip Labels plant tag labels. Each Tier 2 submission costs $90. Submission deadline is June 13. Questions? Contact Jamie Moore at <a href="mailto:JMoore@OAN.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">JMoore@OAN.org</a> or 503-582-2010.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Mar 2025 15:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>ODA director says Farm Bill is important to Oregon producers</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/695326/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/695326/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<table class="text text--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><tbody><tr><td class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" align="left" valign="top" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; display: block; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;">The hope: Oregon Department of Agriculture director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson said the Farm Bill is important for producers across Oregon, not just for crop insurance, but to address the pressing issues facing agriculture, according to the Pacific NW Ag Network news website. Charpilloz Hanson said the Farm Bill was not renewed in 2023 or 2024, but she’s hopeful Congress will address the issue of an updated Farm Bill in a timely fashion. Why it matters: “The conservation packages in the Farm Bill are important to our Fish and Wildlife, they’re very important to water conservation,” she said. “As we think about a change in our climate and the opportunities for Climate Smart Ag and soil health, those programs in the Farm Bill continue to promote that. I think we’re talking about that more today, for sure more than we were in 2018.” Charpilloz Hanson added another huge benefit of the Farm Bill revolves around trade and market stability, which is important for an export heavy state like Oregon. “You know, 80% of what we grow here leaves our state boundaries and about half of that goes overseas,” she said. “We need to have strong market access, which relies on many different parts of the Farm Bill, whether that be pest and disease, and making sure that we have access and we limit, you know, those phytosanitary barriers. We need access in terms of commodities and then we need things that support specialty crops.”</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="button button--padding-vertical" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #fbfbfb;"><tbody><tr><td class="button_container content-padding-horizontal" align="left" style="padding: 10px 20px;"><table class="button_content-row" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr><td class="button_content-cell" align="center" style="background-color: #562b4a; border-radius: 0px; width: inherit; border-spacing: 0px; padding: 10px 40px; border-style: none;"><a class="button_link" href="https://pnwag.net/oda-points-out-the-importance-of-an-updated-farm-bill/" target="_blank" data-trackable="true" style="font-size: 16px; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-weight: bold;">Read more</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> ]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Mar 2025 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USDA expands crop insurance program for producers using controlled environments</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/695325/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/695325/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Good news: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Controlled Environment pilot crop insurance program to an additional 48 counties in 17 states for 2026 and succeeding crop
years, according to AmericanHort.
 
What it covers: The Controlled Environment program from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is specifically for plants grown in fully enclosed controlled environments and provides coverage against
plant diseases subject to destruction orders. Additionally, RMA is making other improvements, including increasing the upper limit of coverage percentage from 75% to 85%, and providing coverage for quarantines when certain qualifications are met.
 
“Expanding and improving the Controlled Environment program better aligns risk management tools with the needs of producers who grow in controlled environments, encouraging growth, innovation and viability within these sectors,” said RMA Acting Administrator
Heather Manzano.
 
Availability: The Controlled Environment program is available in select counties in Oregon, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. 
 
The sales closing date for 2026 coverage is either May 1, 2025, or September 1, 2025,
depending on location.
 
<table class="button_content-row" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #fbfbfb;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="button_content-cell" align="center" style="background-color: #562b4a; border-radius: 0px; width: inherit; border-spacing: 0px; padding: 10px 40px; border-style: none;"><a class="button_link" href="https://www.rma.usda.gov/news-events/news/2025/washington-dc/usda-expands-improves-crop-insurance-program-producers-using?utm_campaign=controlledenvironments&utm_content=expansion&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank" data-trackable="true" style="font-size: 16px; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-weight: bold;">Learn more about the program</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> ]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Mar 2025 15:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Update on OAN-monitored bills at Oregon Legislature</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/695328/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/695328/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Oregon Association of Nurseries is monitoring several bills in the Oregon Legislature, including some it supports and some it opposes. Oppose: HB 2803 would increase the Oregon Water Resources Department’s (OWRD) existing transaction fees by 135%. The OAN joined 13 water stakeholders representing the largest sectors of agricultural, municipal, and industry-related water users to oppose House Bill 2803. An abrupt 135% increase to most transaction fees without any improvement in service is completely untenable and inappropriately places the entire burden of the department’s fiscal shortfall on the backs of water users, the letter to the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water stated. <a href="https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr25/HB2803WRDFeeIncreaseConcerns.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Read the letter</a> Support: SB 779 provides a $2 million endowment to fund the Oregon AgriStress Helpline. OAN joined a coalition of 14 stakeholders to support funding for the ag suicide hotline. The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association is leading the effort to pass Senate Bill 779. <a href="https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr25/sb_779_coalition_support.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Read written testimony to support the bill</a> Oppose: HB 3187 introduces legal confusion through vague standards for age discrimination, increases the risk of litigation, and creates uncertainty by framing legitimate employment factors as potential proxies or stand-ins for age. For this reason, the OAN agreed to sign on to an Oregon Business & Industry led business coalition to oppose the bill. <a href="https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr25/oppose_hb_3187_coalition_let.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Read the letter</a> Oppose: SB 427 would significantly alter the water transfer process. The OAN and several key water user stakeholders have submitted testimony on Senate Bill 427. This is a top priority for the OAN to defeat. The bill will establish a sweeping new transfer standard that will significantly slow the transfer review process and stymie water management flexibility and water use efficiency for farms. <a href="https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr25/sb_427_-_2025_coalition_oppo.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Read the letter</a> Oppose unless modified: HB 3419would require mandatory water measurement and reporting of water users. A coalition of agricultural stakeholders including the OAN have expressed concerns over the legislation. “HB 3419 does not include protections limiting how OWRD or third parties can use the collected data. Most farmers use less than their legally authorized water allocation yet want to maintain that water right for future cropping flexibility and/or for conservation uses. Without clear safeguards, this data could be weaponized in forfeiture proceedings by outside interests. The bill must include explicit provisions protecting water users from forfeiture claims based on reported usage data. <a href="https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr25/hb3419-3_ag_coalition_testim.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Read the coalition letter</a> Oppose: SB 5543 is the vehicle to fund the Oregon Water Resources Department. April Snell, executive director of the Oregon Water Resources Congress, resubmitted the testimony of HB 2803 on behalf of the water user coalition. <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/mediaplayer?clientID=4879615486&eventID=2025021223&startStreamAt=95" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Watch Snell’s testimony on behalf of the OAN and other water users</a> <a href="https://www.oan.org/blogpost/2159173/STATE-ACTION" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #562b4a; font-weight: bold;">Visit the OAN State Action page to learn more</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>OAN prepares to launch ag overtime bill</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693995/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693995/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Oregon Association of Nurseries is still working behind the scenes against long odds to get an agricultural overtime bill passed this year in the Oregon Legislature. OAN drafted a bill that would freeze the overtime threshold for agricultural employers
at the current 48 hours, while allowing a 12-week peak season overtime exemption of 55 hours. Without such legislation, the threshold will drop to 40 hours in 2027, with no peak season exemption.
Nursery impact: The OAN Advocacy Team has been explaining to legislators that without action, workers will take home smaller paychecks, and operators will have to change how they
operate. Still, the bill faces a difficult environment in the Oregon Legislature, according to OAN contract lobbyist Bill Perry. Perry updated the OAN Government Relations Committee on Wednesday morning. 

What’s next for the bill: A Democratic legislator, Rep. Ricki Ruiz (D-Gresham), agreed to introduce the bill. Ruiz understands the issue, as his father was a nursery worker. However,
he is facing pressure from other Democrats to drop the bill.

Governor’s stance: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek appeared unsupportive of the bill when OAN leaders met with her. “She was not buying what we were selling on agricultural overtime,”
OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said.

How you can help: Employees may not understand the effects of ag overtime, once fully implemented, on their take-home pay. The OAN is hoping to obtain information from both nurseries
and their employees to inform our advocacy for the ag OT bill. To that end, the OAN is willing to visit nurseries, meet with workers in a voluntary manner, and give the facts on agricultural overtime. Please contact Jeff Stone at <a href="mailto:jstone@oan.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">JStone@OAN.org</a> to schedule a visit.

Employees who wish to lend their voice on the impact of the law or who have questions can do so with confidence by emailing <a href="mailto:letuswork@oan.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">LetUsWork@OAN.org</a>. OAN will keep personal information private and will only share details that employees explicitly allow us to
share. The OAN is working towards a voice mail and text option for employees, as well.

 ]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Call to action on bill to allow super-siting of water facilities on farmland</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693988/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693988/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Take action: A state representative is issuing a rallying cry to stop an end-run around land-use laws for the sake of a water treatment plant the City of Portland is building near Boring, Oregon. “The City of Portland failed to follow through on their
responsibilities and now they’re trying to pass the cost onto taxpayers — while disregarding Oregon’s land use laws. Senate Bill 936 is a dangerous precedent that we must stop,” said State Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R-District 52). Helfrich urges Oregonians
to call their state lawmakers and ask them to vote “No” on Senate Bill 936. 
Bill details: The proposed bill, sponsored by Sens. Chris Gorsek, D-Gresham, and James Manning, D-Eugene, would allow a “public health infrastructure facility” to be built on
any type of land if the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Oregon Health Authority or Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has established a deadline for its development, according to The Oregonian newspaper in Portland, Oregon. The bill has yet
to be scheduled for a hearing. The site of the Bull Run water filtration plant is not zoned for the project, which is why it currently needs a conditional land-use permit. It was one of at least six locations the city considered when it began planning
the project nearly a decade ago. 
OAN Reaction: “We disagree with the project. We disagree with process. We think this is lazy land-use planning,” Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “This is a top priority for us to defeat.” 
Sponsors of the bill and their phone numbers: <ul><li>
Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-District 25), 503-986-1725 </li><li>
Sen. James Manning Jr. (D-District 7), 503-986-1707 </li><li>
Rep. Thuy Tran (D-District 45), 503-986-1445 </li><li>
Rep. Mark Gamba (D-District 41), 503-986-1441 </li><li>
Rep. Dacia Grayber (D-District 28), 503-986-1428
</li><li>Rep. Zach Hudson (D-District 49), 503-986-1449 </li><li>
Rep. Ricki Ruiz (D-District 50), 503-986-1450 </li></ul>
Background: On January 22, The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) found that the Multnomah County hearings officer misconstrued the natural resource criterion
applicable to the Portland Water Bureau’s (PWB) proposed water filtration facility near Boring, Oregon, and, due to this failing, did not adopt adequate findings to support the decision to approve the facility. The matter was remanded back to Multnomah
County. The remand started a 21-day clock that permits any party to the underlying LUBA action to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals. If no party appeals, the matter will return to the Multnomah County hearing examiner who will hold a hearing
for the purpose of determining whether the analysis for the facility piping is sufficient to sustain a finding of no impacts to natural resources.
<a class="button_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/JeffHelfrichfororegon/videos/1156216659211717/?rdid=3ZZSC2ZjXltnbpj0" target="_blank" data-trackable="true" spellcheck="true" style="color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-center; cursor: move;">View Rep. Helfrich’s video</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Researchers invent rapid test for Phytophthora ramorum</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693363/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693363/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Breakthrough: Lab tests to determine if a plant is infected with Phytophthora ramorum can typically take weeks to obtain the results, but North Carolina State University plant pathologist Jean Ristaino and her graduate student, Amanda Mainello-Land, have successfully created tests that can be taken in the field with results in as little as 15 minutes, according to the latest issue of the journal Phytopathology. Why it matters: The researchers focused on P. ramorum because it represents a major threat to forest trees and nursery plants such as rhododendrons, camellias and viburnums. It also impacts forest ecosystems and the commercial industries they support. The notorious pathogen causes sudden oak death, which has killed millions of trees in California and Oregon and spurred state and federal regulations and quarantines in the United States and abroad. Ristaino said the genetic tests her team developed will give those who manage and protect forests and nurseries the kind of information they need more rapidly to keep the disease from spreading. Because the nursery plant trade can be a major route for movement of P. ramorum from areas in the western United States and a potential route for invasions into forests, nursery surveys are conducted routinely in many states to stop spread, track movement of the pathogen, and identify lineages. ]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>ONF accepting applications for horticultural scholarships</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693365/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693365/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Apply: Do you know a high school, college or graduate student who is considering a career as a nursery or landscape professional? If so, applications are being taken until April 15, 2025 for 20 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 from the Oregon Nurseries Foundation. The scholarships are sponsored by individual OAN chapters, and its members. April 15 is the last day to apply. For more information, go to <a href="http://oan.org/ONF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">OAN.org/ONF</a>, or contact OAN Director of Finance Stephanie Collins at 503-582-2001 or <a href="mailto:Scholarships@OAN.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Scholarships@OAN.org</a>.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Water tops list of environmental priorities for Gov. Kotek</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693361/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693361/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Top priority: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and her natural resources adviser Geoff Huntington consider water quality and availability a top priority this legislative session, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, a non-profit news website.  The issues: They’re particularly focused on addressing overdrawn water basins and ongoing issues with groundwater contamination in eastern Oregon and other critical groundwater areas in the state. Water quantity: Oregon water officials have allocated all surface water under their purview, overallocated groundwater in several basins and have no clear accounting of how much water is still available in others. In May, Kotek convened a group of prominent water attorneys in the state to present ideas to the Legislature for improving Oregon’s water policies, water rights laws and allocation rules. Huntington said the governor’s office will back a package of bills that gives state agencies more statutory authority to manage water allocations and regulations in Oregon.  Water quality: Huntington said the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area in northeast Oregon — one of three deemed critically impaired by nitrate contamination from farm fertilizers, animal waste and food processors — is an example of one area where the state could do more to improve conditions if agencies had more authority. Why it matters: With recent rulemaking on groundwater availability, the issue of groundwater management is a focus for the OAN. “Oregon’s nursery industry will need greater flexibility and a streamlined process for moving water on their property,” Executive Director Jeff Stone said.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Oregon labor bureau faces massive backlog of wage claims</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693362/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693362/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The problem: According to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), the agency saw a 208% increase in wage claims from 2020 to 2024. In response, the agency implemented an income threshold for investigations, meaning investigators are not following up on any claims from workers who make more than $25.34 an hour, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. BOLI officials said the agency’s staffing hasn’t kept up with the growth of Oregon’s workforce, and they are asking lawmakers to fund more than 70 new positions to the tune of nearly $18 million.  OAN concerns: “This issue is worth keeping an eye on,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said, “not for the reasons of adequate funding for BOLI, but the unions may capitalize on the issue in order to push through a bill that suits them through a friendly legislature.”]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Key takeaways from the LUBA decision on the Portland water treatment plant</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693358/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693358/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What happened? On January 22, The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) found that the Multnomah County hearings officer misconstrued the natural resource criterion applicable to the Portland Water Bureau’s (PWB) proposed water filtration facility and, due to this failing, did not adopt adequate findings to support the decision to approve the facility. This is known as a failure to provide “substantial evidence” and means that the matter is remanded back to Multnomah County. The conditional use permit was appealed to LUBA by a coalition of community and agricultural groups including the Oregon Association of Nurseries and 1000 Friends of Oregon.  What does it mean? The issue revolved around whether the facility pipeline (not the facility) would adversely affect the natural resources (as distinguished from delineated significant natural resources). The hearings officer found that the two terms were synonymous and — in any event — there could be no adverse impacts due to the fact that the pipeline would be buried hundreds of feet underground. Between the lines: “Interestingly, this issue was not identified as one of the strongest during the discussions amongst the appealing parties,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “The distinction between ‘natural resources’ and ‘significant natural resources’ stems — most likely — from the fact that Multnomah County has not gone through a thorough code cleanup and simply treats the two terms as synonyms for the purpose of adopting findings in land use decisions.” Regardless of that fact, LUBA found the two terms to be distinct and thus warranting of individualized analysis. What happens now: The remand started a 21-day clock that permits any party to the underlying LUBA action to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals. If no party appeals, the matter will return to the Multnomah County hearing examiner who will hold a hearing for the purpose of determining whether the analysis for the facility piping is sufficient to sustain a finding of no impacts to natural resources. Bottom line: “Based on the record, it is reasonable to assume that PWB will effectively draft the findings with the assistance of their environmental consultants,” Stone said.  Next steps: “OAN will be consulting with the opposing parties and Jordan Ramis. This issue is not put to bed,” Stone said.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>OAN leaders meet with U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/693359/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/693359/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Forging ties: U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Oregon District 5) met with leaders of the Oregon Association of Nurseries last week at her field office in Clackamas, Oregon. “The congresswoman reached out recently to express her desire to craft a close relationship with the association,” Executive Director Jeff Stone said. Attendees: Besides Stone, Darcy Ruef (<a href="https://als-gardencenter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Al’s Garden & Home</a>), Patrick Newton (<a href="https://nurseryguide.com/find_companies/detail/powells-nursery-inc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Powell’s Nursery Inc.</a>), Chris Robinson (<a href="https://www.robinsonnursery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Robinson Nursery Inc</a>.), Ben Verhoeven (<a href="https://www.peoriagardens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Peoria Gardens Inc.</a>), Kyle Fessler (<a href="https://woodburnnursery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas</a>), Amanda Staehely (<a href="https://columbia-nursery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Columbia Nursery</a>) and OAN Director of Finance & Administration Stephanie Collins also attended. Topics discussed: OAN leaders discussed Oregon’s competitiveness on the national level, plant quality and desire for USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) funding, labor policy and the OAN’s legislative agenda. “Bynum was supportive of OAN’s immigration approach, focused on work visas,” Stone said. <a href="https://www.oan.org/page/legagenda25" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Read OAN’s 2025 state and national legislative agenda</a><a href="https://www.oan.org/Login.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #2f5586; font-weight: bold;">Read The Advocate quarterly legislative newsletter</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>OAN lauds LUBA decision overturning approval of East Multnomah water treatment facility</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/692087/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/692087/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[News Release from Oregon Association of Nurseries Posted on FlashAlert: January 24, 2025 2:52 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilsonville, Oregon (January 24, 2025)  The Oregon Association of Nurseries applauds the ruling yesterday by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals overturning Multnomah County's approval of a controversial water treatment facility in East Multnomah County at the request of the Portland Water Bureau.
"The hearings officer misconstrued the community use natural resources criterion and, based on that misinstruction, failed to adopt adequate findings supported by substantial evidence," LUBA said in a story reported by Capital Press.
"I welcome this decision by LUBA," OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. "To site a water treatment plant requires proper planning process, which the Portland Water Bureau did not do. We support alternative options. More than 250 nurseries were being harmed by building this costly project."
The project by the City of Portland involves some of the highest quality and most productive agricultural land in the state of Oregon.  It would remove and convert nearly 95-acres of rural, agricultural land to a facility that serves an urban metropolitan area.  The operational characteristics of the proposed facility would also adversely impact farming operations in the larger agricultural region that surrounds the subject property. 
Contact Info:
 Jeff Stone, Oregon Association Of Nurseries, <a href="mailto:Jstone@oan.org">Jstone@oan.org</a> Vic Panichkul, Oregon Association Of Nurseries, <a href="mailto:Vpanichkul@oan.org">Vpanichkul@oan.org</a> 
The Oregon Association Of Nurseries, Based In Wilsonville, Represents More Than 700 Wholesale Growers, Retailers, Landscapers And Suppliers. Oregon's Nursery And Greenhouse Industry Is The State's Leading Agricultural Sector, With Annual Sales Of $1.22 Billion In 2022. It Is Also A Traded Sector, With About 75 Percent Of The Nursery Plants Grown In Oregon Being Shipped Out Of State. For Information, Visit <a href="https://oan.org">oan.org</a>.]]></description>
<category>Press Releases</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

Download the "valid RSS" banner.
Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)
Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

<a href="http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=https%3A//cdn.ymaws.com/oan.site-ym.com/resource/rss/news.rss"><img src="valid-rss-rogers.png" alt="[Valid RSS]" title="Validate my RSS feed" /></a>

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=https%3A//cdn.ymaws.com/oan.site-ym.com/resource/rss/news.rss

Home · About · News · Docs · Terms