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Agriculture Projects Receive Funding Through Wyden/Smith Effort

Ag Research, Oregon Garden to Receive Support

February 14, 2003

 
     
 

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Last night, the U.S. Senate passed the Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY 2003 which includes funding for agricultural and natural resources programs. Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) worked closely on the bill to obtain funding for numerous projects in Oregon.

"For Oregon to maintain its position as one of the world's leading producers of food and fiber, we must continue our research efforts," said Smith. "The research projects funded by this bill will help keep our farm economy on the cutting edge of agricultural innovation and production."

"These projects are designed to grow not just better crops, but better economies for our agricultural communities," said Wyden. "I'm pleased to see these Federal funds supporting important research and development projects all across our state."

The bill provides $325,000 in funding to support wetland research at the Oregon Garden project in Silverton. The Oregon Garden is a unique partnership that integrates the public and private sectors in achieving environmental goals, spurring the local economy, and showcasing Oregon's agricultural heritage.

Other projects that will receive funding are as follows:

Agriculture Research Service (ARS):
Gene Flow Research, Corvallis
$225,000 increase from FY02

Genetic Resources Research, Corvallis
$200,000 increase from FY02

NW Small Fruits Research, Corvallis
$250,000 increase from FY02

Shellfish Genetics Research, Newport
$250,000 increase from FY02

ARS Station, Burns
$750,000 increase from FY02

USDA Partnerships with Oregon State University:
Meadowfoam
$295,000

Grass seed cropping for sustainable agriculture (regional)
$457,000

Multi-commodity research
$400,000

Small Fruits Research
$400,000

Wood utilization (multi-regional)
$6,170,000

Natural Resource Conservation Service
Native Seed Program
$50,000

Oregon Garden
$325,000

Increased Technical Assistance
$1,000,000

The bill will now be sent to the president for his signature.

 
 
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