What's New
Reminder: pre-notification federal order still in effect
Important reminder for this shipping season: the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to require advance notice for five plant genera considered high risk for Phytophthora ramorum. Despite strong evidence that confirms the pre-notification requirement will not mitigate the spread of P. ramorum, nurseries in regulated or quarantined counties must notify receiving states before sending out any interstate shipments of Camellia, Kalmia, Pieris, Rhododendron (including Azalea), and/or Viburnum. For a refresher on this issue, visit the OAN pre-notification online toolkit.
Box Blight detected in the United States
Ag officials across the country are reacting to the detection of Cylindrocladium buxicola, a blight afflicting boxwood shrubs, at U.S. nurseries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture detected the pathogen in multiple Eastern states last fall, including North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut. It has also been found in Canada. To date, it appears the disease has had limited impact in Oregon: USDA inspected a dozen Oregon nurseries in December and found a single positive detection. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is working with that nursery to eradicate the pathogen on the growing grounds. [Read more]
USDA announces plan to close 250 offices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will close some 250 offices nationwide, including four in Oregon, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Monday. The four offices to be closed in Oregon include Farm Service Agency offices in Tillamook, Dallas and John Day, plus an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) office in Salem. The cuts will save the agency $150 million and help satisfy USDA's obligation to make 12 percent in across-the-board federal cuts. The agency also announced that it plans to make regulatory processes more efficient, including those at APHIS. More details are posted at the Daily Digger blog.
Stone encourages businesses to "get in the game" this Legislative Session
Speaking to a group of about 50 business leaders from the South Metro region, Jeff Stone outlined the OAN's general Legislative agenda and encouraged businesses to get involved. "It's vitally important that businesses have a say in Salem," he said. "The primary way to do that is to help elect leaders who understand your issues." Stone was joined by Betsy Earls, vice president and counsel for Associated Oregon Industries and Jan Meekcoms, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, at a leadership forum hosted by the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce this week. [Read more]
Truck space available to three winter trade shows
There is still space available on selected OAN Winter Trucks to Trade Shows trucks. This money-saving program, exclusively for OAN members, lets exhibitors ship booth material to winter trade shows across the country. Trucks that are going to the Utah Green Industry Conference and Trade Show, the ProGreen Expo and the NorCal Spring Trade Show still have available space. Extend your trade show reach and save money! Reservations must be accompanied by a deposit and are on a first-come, first served basis. Please return the completed reservation form (PDF) to amurphy@oan.org or fax to 503-682-5099. For more information, contact Ann Murphy at 503-582-2011. [Read more]
Minimum wage rises, new laws take effect
A higher Oregon minimum wage is among the legal changes impacting agriculture that took effect with the start of the new year:
• Oregon's minimum wage went from $8.50 to $8.80, a 3.5 percent increase. Among the 50 states, it is second only to Washington's $9.04. The Oregon Department of Labor ordered the increase based on an annual jump in the Consumer Price Index, as mandated by Ballot Measure 25, passed in 2002.
• Police will be keeping a closer eye on drivers using handheld cell phones. Oregon's original "hang up and drive" law had a big loophole for work-related cell conversations. The Legislature closed it, however, effective Jan. 1. With such excuses no longer valid, some police are saying the law is worth enforcing again.
Participate in free Acer displays at 2012 Farwest Show
Do you grow any species or cultivars in the Acer genus? Then prepare to be showcased. At the 2012 Farwest Show, we will "Celebrate the Diversity of the Genus Acer: from Petite Palmatums to Stately Shade Trees." Special displays will promote and celebrate maples of all shapes, sizes, forms and colors — liners, boxed, B&B or canned. All exhibiting Acergrowers, small or large, are encouraged to participate. [Find out more]
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