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Portland, OR--Today Congressman David Wu held an agriculture town hall style meeting at the Vanasche Farm in North Plains. The attendees included farmers from the first Congressional district and other representatives of Oregon agricultural organizations. This is the third year that Congressman Wu has brought together members of the Oregon agriculture community to discuss issues of interest and concern.
“Agriculture is vitally important to Oregon’s economy, and these forums allow me the opportunity to talk with and listen to those directly involved in its success,” said Congressman David Wu. “The ability to have an open forum where folks can talk about what’s working and what isn’t provides me with a better understanding of the issues affecting agriculture.”
In 2003, Oregon’s agriculture production totaled nearly $3.8 billion, with over 200 different commodities produced throughout the state. There are over 20 commodities where Oregon’s ranked either number one or two in the nation for production. These include such diverse commodities as blackberries, Christmas trees, ryegrass seed and crimson clover.
Wu has worked with Oregon agricultural interests to address the recent outbreak of phytophthora ramorum or, Sudden Oak disease, in nursery stock, and has fought successfully in Congress for funds for marketing and research to enhance the competitiveness of Oregon’s agricultural products. Over the past three years these funds have totaled more than $1 million.
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