The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that the stay previously granted for the temporary rule on Willamette Valley canola production will remain in effect as the court considers legal challenges. This means that canola production in the Willamette Valley is not allowed until further notice.

Until the court rules on the petitioners’ motion against the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s temporary administrative rule, ODA’s permanent rules governing its canola control area remain in effect. Those rules effectively prohibit the planting of canola in the Willamette Valley. ODA’s temporary rule was an attempt to allow limited canola production in specific locations while protecting specialty seed production.

Meanwhile, ODA has filed for permanent rulemaking, which allows for public input. A public hearing has been scheduled for Friday, September 28, 9:00 a.m., at Cascade Hall at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, in Salem.

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More information on the canola control area issue and the proposed permanent rule