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Portland, OR -- Today Congressman David Wu praised the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture not to place a statewide quarantine on Oregon nurseries and greenhouses in light of concerns about the outbreak on nursery products of Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora Ramorum). Sudden Oak Death (SOD) causes disease on a wide range of plant species, including several horticultural crops important to the nursery trade.
"I am pleased by the Department of Agriculture's decision not to impose a statewide quarantine at this time," said Congressman David Wu." The discovery of SOD in Columbia County is a serious matter to all involved, and it is one that has to be dealt with in an open, transparent and cooperative manor by all levels of government. I think the recent decision is a reflection of that cooperation."
Oregon is the leading producer of ornamental trees and shrubs and the state's nursery and greenhouse industry generates over $725 million annually in farm gate receipts. Growers of nursery and greenhouse crops constitute Oregon's largest sector of agriculture and nationally the industry produces crops valued at over $14 billion.
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