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News
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ODA director pleased with legislatively approved budget
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6/10/2011
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Article Content Katy Coba says the agency generally fared well
The Oregon Department of Agriculture biennial budget for 2011-13 is on Governor Kitzhaber's desk ready for signature. The Oregon Legislature approved the agency's $83 million budget with some cuts but also some enhancements, signaling strong support for ODA's mission and programs. The approval allows the department to move forward in key policy areas, programs, and services over the next two years.
"Given the state's economic climate heading into this legislative session, I could not have predicted our budget would be this positive," says ODA Director Katy Coba. "We had gone through the process of preparing a budget that included a 25 percent cut in General Fund dollars. The governor's recommended budget for ODA didn't include that big of a cut, but still a significant reduction. The legislature was very supportive of the agency and actually reinstated some General Fund dollars above and beyond what was included in the governor's recommended budget. ODA is in a good place as we move into the coming biennium- as well as I could have expected."
ODA's 2011-13 budget does include an overall reduction in General Fund appropriations and there are some fee increases for specific customers of ODA programs as the agency's reliance on other funds continues to grow. But there is plenty of bi-partisan support at the State Capitol for ODA and the work it does. Director Coba says it's a reflection of general support for Oregon's natural resource industries, not just agriculture.
"There has been a broad recognition by lawmakers of the importance of all natural resources agencies and the fact that they get such a small percentage of the General Fund compared to other state agencies," says Coba. "We heard that theme over and over again at the State Capitol. Oregonians benefit from the work that is being done by natural resources agencies and it is incumbent on the state to support those agencies with General Fund dollars."
By giving natural resource agencies proper funding, legislators believe Oregon can keep its natural resources industry sector strong.
"The constituent groups of our agencies- whether they are agricultural groups, forestry groups, or environmental groups- recognize the economic contribution that the natural resources sector contributes to the state," says Coba. "That contribution is more than one-third of Oregon's economy. Add to it the sector's contribution to the environment, and you can see why there was so much support this session."
The legislature and the governor have focused on jobs and the economy this session. The programs and services of agencies like ODA largely feed into the economic well being of agriculture.
Budget enhancements approved by lawmakers will help the Oregon Department of Agriculture better deal with water quality, marketing, and predator control.
ODA's Water Quality Program, which helps agricultural landowners protect water quality, suffered position cuts in the current biennium. A shortfall in lottery funds also contributed to positions being left vacant. The legislature has provided enough revenue to not only fill the vacancies, but create three additional positions to restore what had been cut and add a person dedicated to monitoring.
"The program had been whittled down," says Coba. "Now there is a lot of interest in Oregon's water quality, and agriculture wants to step up and do it's part to keep water clean. Our program works with the industry to set goals and meet them. The legislature's support of the program's budget is much appreciated."
Budget enhancements for ODA's marketing efforts came as a surprise. Agricultural marketing was a priority for State Senator Chris Edwards, co-chair of the Natural Resources Subcommittee.
"Senator Edwards wants to take advantage of our success in helping increase agricultural sales," says Coba. "We do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to help folks move their products into the marketplace."
The enhanced funding will create three positions in the Portland-based Agricultural Development and Marketing Division. While exact plans for the positions have not been finalized, Coba says they will likely address emerging export markets and federal trade issues.
The legislature also added dollars to ODA's existing predator control efforts- along with a similar enhancement for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife- to deal with emerging threats of wildlife damage facing farmers and ranchers statewide.
Also in the ODA budget are three approved fee increases, all supported by industry groups. They include a hike in seed dealers's license fees to inspect and certify the quality of Oregon seed crops, an increase in the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit fees from a flat rate to a tiered structure based on size of operation, and an increase in commercial shellfish license fees to ensure interstate shipment of shellfish. A fourth fee increase in ODA's Food Safety Program is expected to be approved when the legislature convenes next February. A proposed new fee on pet food products registrations was not approved by the legislature. Instead, lawmakers dedicated General Fund dollars to help support ODA's Animal Health Program.
Director Coba is thankful for the support, both inside and outside the agriculture industry, provided during budget hearings and other venues. She also offers praise for ODA employees.
"The support is gratifying. I commend our staff that interacts with our customers on a daily basis. They truly have a customer service attitude that serves the agency well. They do the best they can with the resources they have. There is not any fluff in this agency, and I think that's recognized by our customers. Our customers know we really mean it when we say we need a fee increase or we need their support for our budget."
ODA will now get to work and show that the legislature's budget support this session is well earned.
For more information, contact Bruce Pokarney at (503) 986-4559.
Story of the Week pdf version
http://oregon.gov/ODA/docs/pdf/news/110610budget.pdf
Audio Story of the Week
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/110610budget_audio.shtml
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