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| Oregon winery has its day in the sun, earns green building certification |
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| Photo courtesy of Mike Haverkate, Stoller Vineyards. |
By Stephanie Page
The solar panels on Stoller Vineyards' Dayton, Oregon winery blend in well with the rest of the building, appearing as just another part of the roof. The panels are one of many features built into the building that fit the Stollers' philosophy of low inputs and high efficiency.
"I'm interested in creating products with the lowest inputs possible," explains Bill Stoller. "And I was excited about the idea of harnessing power from the sun."
In 2006, Stoller Vineyards became the first winery in the United States to be certified as a green building through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. The solar photovoltaic system use of recycled materials, and energy-efficiency measures all helped the winery achieve the benchmarks in the certification system.
Stoller Vineyards received a tax credit from the Oregon Department of Energy for 35 percent of the costs of the photovoltaic system and several of the efficiency measures. (This credit was raised in 2007 to 50 percent for renewable energy projects.) They also received incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon.
"They predicted a payback period of about 12 years for our system," explains Bill Stoller. "It was estimated to produce about fifty percent of the electricity the winery consumes. So far, it has exceeded our expectations."
The system was expected to produce about 42,000 kilowatt hours per year, but produced 57,000 last year. Based on the monthly reports so far, Bill Stoller expects it will produce about 50,000 kilowatt hours this year.
He navigates to a Web site that provides monthly reports of the system's power production. The Web site also displays the amount of carbon dioxide reductions because of the solar panel system. For the month of October 2007, reductions were estimated at 70 percent.
Energy efficiency measures at the winery include processing facilities designed to maximize gravity flow of juice, lessening the energy needed to move product around. The building has an automated lighting system, insulation levels that are 70 percent above code requirements, and skylights in the fermentation room. Much of the timber used in beams, stairs, and floors inside and outside the building is recycled material.
Stoller Vineyard's energy accomplishments have even received attention from local media, the Sundance Channel, and wine magazines. "I'm not sure if [the media attention] drives people to seek out our wine in the store," Bill Stoller says, "But once people come here and see how we operate, I think they remember us."
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| The Harvesting Clean Energy Conference |
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Pacific Northwest farmers, ranchers, and others from rural and agricultural communities will converge in Portland on January 27-29 for the annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference to learn about turning renewable energy like wind, solar and biofuels into tools of economic development.
The conference, to be held at the Red Lion Hotel on the River, attracts rural landowners and a variety of professionals from agriculture organizations, rural utilities, tribes, economic development agencies, lending institutions, energy developers and consultants, research institutions, and federal, state and local governments.
The Harvesting Clean Energy Conference will feature experts and farmers with direct experience in successful clean energy projects. In addition to panel discussions and in-depth session tracks, participants can visit clean energy facilities in the Portland area during two field tours on Sunday afternoon, January 27.
Farmers, ranchers and other private individuals can register online at harvestcleanenergy.org
or call Dana Schlenker at 253-445-4575 for more information.
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| Setting the record straight on biofuels |
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In response to widespread misinformation and misunderstanding, Brent Searle, special assistant to ODA Director Katy Coba, has provided some basic facts about biofuels and renewable energy in Oregon:
Q. What are biofuels?
A. Most biofuels fall into two categories:
- Ethanol-which can be blended with gasoline for automotive engine use; and,
- Biodiesel-which can be blended with diesel for use in diesel engines.
These are the only two biofuels with approved standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Conference on Weights and Measures, engine manufacturers, and other state and federal regulatory agencies that enable testing protocols to ensure consistent fuel quality.
Q. What are they made from?
A. Ethanol is made from sugar extracted from biomass-plant materials-fermented into alcohol. In Brazil the feedstock is sugarcane. In the United States the main feedstock for ethanol is field corn. Many other plants are being evaluated as feedstock material for conversion to ethanol.
Biodiesel is made from plant or animal-based oils. Many oilseed crops, such as soy, canola, mustard, sunflower, flax, camelina, and others can be converted to biodiesel.
Q. Are any biofuels being processed in Oregon?
A. Yes! SeQuential Biodiesel, a Salem-based company, is making several million gallons of biodiesel in Oregon from used cooking oil, soy oil from the Midwest, and canola grown in Oregon and other regions. Other companies are also building facilities to make biodiesel.
In September 2007, Pacific Ethanol started operation of an ethanol plant in Boardman. This plant is capable of producing 40 million gallons of ethanol per year. Another company, Cascade Grain, will begin producing ethanol at its 110 million gallon Clatskanie plant in February 2008.
Q. Can biofuels be used safely in my car or pickup?
A. Yes. Ethanol has been used in the US motor fuel market for decades, and is currently blended at E-10 levels (10 percent ethanol; 90 percent petroleum gas) into about 30 percent of the gasoline in the United States. In some market areas, including Portland, ethanol has been used for years in nearly all gasoline during winter months. It enhances octane, lowers air emissions, and is used to replace MTBE (which has been shown to be a groundwater contaminant). Some cars (flex-fuel) can burn up to 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline blends. These cars have yellow gas caps. Older vehicles (built before 1990), some aircraft, and some two-cycle engines may require cleaning of filters or replacing of rubber hoses or gaskets when burning ethanol.
Important consumer notice on ethanol
Beginning in early 2008 and continuing through the summer, a new ethanol blend standard established by the 2007 Legislature will go into effect, requiring all gasoline sold throughout Oregon to include a 10 percent ethanol blend for use in automotive engines. All major vehicle engine manufactures support the use of 10 percent ethanol in recent gasoline engines.
Important consumer notice on biodiesel
It is anticipated that in early 2009, a blend standard of 2 percent biodiesel mixed with 98 percent #2 diesel will be required in all diesel sold in Oregon (excepting rail, marine, and heating oil). This level of biodiesel is considered a fuel additive and benefits the lubricating value of the diesel, especially as low-sulfur standards are phased in.
Biodiesel can be used in any blend ratio with diesel. Every major diesel engine manufacturer warranties use of biodiesel blends up to five percent by volume. Some diesel engine manufactures support "B20" or 20 percent biodiesel blends, and a few farm equipment manufacturers have recent announced support of 100 percent biodiesel.
For all engine manufacturer statements on biodiesel usage, see: http://biodiesel.org/resources/fuelfactsheets/standards_and_warranties.shtm
Retail gas stations must do some preparation to storage tanks before dispensing ethanol or biodiesel. Ask your gas station if this has been done.
Q. Do biofuels cost more than regular gasoline or diesel?
A. Prices for biofuels will vary in the marketplace, just as regular gasoline and diesel do. In the past two years, ethanol has generally been cheaper than regular gasoline. This is partly a reflection of the lower BTU (energy) value in ethanol, plus federal fuel excise tax credits. Ethanol, however, has a high octane value. Blending 10 percent ethanol with gasoline has, in general, kept the price of gasoline at the pump lower than it would otherwise be by adding additional volume to the available fuel supply and increasing octane content.
Pure biodiesel has recently been in the price range of $3.20 to $4.00 per gallon, depending on feedstock prices to make the fuel. When blended at 2 percent with diesel, this may add about 3-5 cents per gallon. But there is also the possibility is could cost less, depending on the cost of diesel itself, and the lubricity value added by the biodiesel. Biodiesel also benefits from a federal excise tax credit, lowering the cost to the consumer.
Consumer incentive
Recently passed legislation in Oregon also provides an income tax credit for consumers who use high blends of biofuels. The credit is 50 cents per gallon, up to $200 per year for each Oregon registered motor vehicle, for using E85 (85 percent ethanol in a flex-fuel gasoline engine automobile) or B99 (pure biodiesel in a diesel powered vehicle). Learn where to purchase high blend biofuels: http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator
Q. Media reports imply that biofuels are affecting the cost of food. Is this true?
A. Corn used to produce ethanol in the US is field corn, largely produced for livestock feed. It is not the sweet corn eaten by humans and has little impact on the availability or cost of sweet corn.
Corn prices are only a small factor in retail food costs. There is less than four cents worth of corn in a box of corn flakes. All remaining costs for corn flakes, and many other products, are added after the farm-including transportation, processing, labor, packaging, advertising, and retail and wholesale profit margins.
Because petroleum costs affect so many other steps in the process, recent studies show that price increases in gasoline and diesel affect all food prices three times as much as corn used for ethanol.
Vegetable and fruit prices are reflective of production conditions-drought, disease, weather, and increasing consumer demand. Milk and dairy products are in short supply worldwide, with growing demand, driving up prices. Wheat production suffered major setbacks in Australia and Europe, Asia, and other areas this year.
Price increases for all these products have nothing to do with ethanol or biodiesel production.
Government estimates put food price increases from all influences at about 5 percent in 2007, moderating to 3 percent in 2008. The 20-year average is 2.8 percent annual increase for food prices. Less than 1 percent of the 2007 food price increase can be attributed to biofuel.
Compare this to petroleum fuel prices that have escalated nearly 40 percent over the past year alone, and nearly 200 percent from two years ago.
Q. Is there enough corn being produced for food, feed, and biofuel uses?
A. Yes! The 2007 corn crop, at 13.2 billion bushels, is the largest in US history; 25 percent larger than in 2006. Add carryover stocks from 2007, and the supply will be 14.5 billion bushels, with demand expected at 12.6 billion bushels. All current demands are being met, with a large carryover (surplus) going into 2008-one of the highest surplus levels in 20 years.
Feed prices for dairies and feedlots have increased with the price of corn. Yet, the amount of corn being fed to livestock has actually increased in 2007, despite the growing demand for corn-based ethanol.
2007 also had the highest US corn exports in history-all while demand for domestic ethanol, feed, and food needs were being met.
US biofuel production is not contributing to world hunger. In fact, according to a United Nations report: "Food availability per capita is at an historic high. Third world food shortages are largely due to political and social issues such as poverty, government corruption, and inefficient distribution."
Historically, surplus US corn has been exported to find new markets. This has put downward pressure on world prices and adversely affected small farmers in third world nations. With demand for corn from biofuels, worldwide prices for corn (and some other grains) have started to increase and farmers are now earning fair returns in the marketplace.
"[Biofuel] could be a lifesaver for Third World countries... It can help keep farmers on the land without providing huge public subsidies." -David Morris, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, quoted in Business Week, February 2007
Q. I've heard that biofuels might cause environmental concerns. Is this true?
A. There is no perfect fuel. But production of biofuels can be significantly less detrimental to the environment than petroleum fuels.
For example, ethanol takes about three gallons of water during processing to produce one gallon of ethanol fuel. Some critics complain this is not a good use of water. Few people realize it takes 8-10 gallons of water to refine crude oil for one gallon of gasoline. Three gallons is quite an improvement in a process that has been going on for decades with petroleum.
Some reports also indicate that crops used to produce biofuels (corn, soybeans, canola) use fertilizers, and that an increase in acreage of production might lead to more nitrogen impacts on the environment.
The US is the Saudi Arabia of cropland. We are blessed with an abundance of land that generally produces a surplus of crops. Crops will be grown on these acreages in different mixes based on market prices and demand, federal policies and incentives, and technology factors.
Over the past decade, more corn and soybeans are being grown on the same amount of land. How? With seeds that require less chemicals and under low or no-till production systems, meaning the farmers make fewer trips across the field plowing, discing, preparing soils, etc. The seed is directly planted into the residue of the crop from the prior year. This has dramatically reduced soil erosion and increased soil fertility, requiring less nitrogen per acre to achieve higher yields from crops.
There is much more information on biofuels and renewable energy than this article can address. Oregonians are encouraged to seek the facts and help support a better energy future.
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| Board of Agriculture profile: Steve Van Mouwerik |
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| Photo courtesy of Mitch Lies, Capital Pres |
From growing up in the dairy business to his current position as Oregon Division Manager for Anderson Hay and Grain Company, Steve Van Mouwerik brings a wealth of experience and insight into many key issues facing Oregon agriculture today.
"Joining the Board is an extension of ‘growing the context' from the more narrow focus of forages to the broader one of all agricultural products, and the chain of quality and accountability that is expected of ag producers and processors around the world," says Van Mouwerik. "Consumer expectations for safe food, sustainability, quality, price, resource utilization, no matter the country or market, are driving change producers and government need to see and understand."
Anderson Hay and Grain Company exports about $100 million of hay and straw each year from Oregon and Washington to dairy and beef farmers in Asia. The company is the number one harvester, processor, and exporter in the global forage market.
"The hay and straw export business is extremely competitive and quite complex," says Van Mouwerik. "At any given time, there is an issue in the supply chain or market and two more on the horizon. I've lived with this as Anderson Hay's Oregon Director and in my industry service positions for 15 years. As I come to the Board of Agriculture, I hope to contribute the relationships and the pacing to work the issues up and down the line from Oregon producer to consumer, whether domestic or foreign, private sector or public."
Van Mouwerik has been a key leader with the Oregon Ag Fiber Association, which, among other things, has worked hard to develop a market for grass straw residues that used to be handled by field burning. Having agriculture in his blood while growing up in Southern California has helped. The Van Mouwerik Family, part of the strong Dutch dairy presence in the region, operated a dairy processing and bottling plant-providing home delivery of milk to the front porches of homes in the area. Steve and his family witnessed first hand what market changes can do to an agricultural business on the edge of Los Angeles.
"The consolidation of the dairy business came with supermarkets and freeways. At the same time, our dairy acreage and orange groves were yielding to development and population growth. The completion of my college education saw also the end of our dairy herd, processing, and delivery operations."
A bachelor's degree in international relations from Lewis and Clark College and a master's in conflict analysis and peace research at the University of Pennsylvania have provided some educational background that has helped in the export business. But first, Van Mouwerik had to try his hand in the field of high tech. He was delighted to return to agriculture when the Anderson Hay and Grain opportunity knocked.
Van Mouwerik lives in Portland with his wife, Deb, and their two teenage sons.
Among the important issues facing the Board of Agriculture, Van Mouwerik lists foreign market access, air quality, and the impact of biofuels as those that hold particular interest to him.
"The Board members have their heads around the issues that confront producers and that confront decision makers in government. They show an ability to bring business and private sector points of view to questions that need to be addressed in a venue of public stakeholders. I am eager to get their guidance as the freshman member of the Board."
Conversely, the Board of Agriculture is eager for the valuable contributions of its newest member.
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| Director's column |
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I have been an optimist my entire life. For every challenge I see for Oregon agriculture in 2008, there are several opportunities. It has been a strong year for many sectors of agriculture in Oregon with good production and high prices for a number of commodities. The new year could even be better.
Whether it is dealing with environmental issues, ensuring food safety, or effectively marketing products, Oregon agriculture is generally being proactive in addressing those items that seem to be most important to the general public. As a state agency that both regulates and promotes the industry, ODA is poised to assist farmers, ranchers, food processors, and the many others involved with agriculture to achieve success-our three-fold mission includes natural resource protection, food safety and consumer protection, and agricultural marketing.
The year 2008 will bring a focus on Oregon agriculture's contribution to improving the environment or, in some cases, concern about agriculture's impact on land, water quality, and air quality. The governor has already identified water quantity as a top priority going into the 2009 legislative session. We need to figure out how to store more water in the winter for use in the summer. That would benefit more than just agriculture, including other industries, municipalities, recreation, and fish. But certainly, ODA and agriculture will play key roles in water quantity development.
There is a broad public interest in taking better care of the environment. Frankly, I think Oregon agriculture has a very good story to tell in terms of its contribution to protecting and enhancing the environment.
Land use, and the hot debate that continues despite passage of Ballot Measure 49, remains a key issue. Five of the top six agricultural producing counties are in the Portland Metro-Willamette Valley area, where we see the predominant population growth. How we maintain a viable ag economy on some of the best and most productive farm land is something we will continue to battle.
Food safety has made headlines throughout 2007. ODA participated in several food recall efforts this past year and we understand consumer concern about food safety. There is legislative interest in this topic as well and a desire to provide ODA more resources to step up spot inspection of high-risk products. That might include a closer look at imported food products and ingredients. We want to ensure food in Oregon is safe.
Certification programs will be a mainstay of agricultural marketing efforts this year. Whether the product has been grown organically, sustainably, by using good handling practices, or a variety of other ways that assure wholesalers, retailers, and consumers that certain standards have been achieved, ODA will help producers and processors in Oregon take advantage of the myriad of certification programs in the US and worldwide.
For 2008, ODA has a person to lead its farm-to-school program in an effort to get more nutritious, locally-grown food products into Oregon schools. That same kind of effort may eventually reach into health care institutions, another potential market for Oregon producers and processors.
Renewable energy, transportation, and labor will once again be key issues for agriculture in the coming year.
People increasingly want to know where their food comes from and have a desire to purchase products locally. In order to do that, we need to be able to produce products locally. That requires land, water, and a better understanding of what it takes for our producers to succeed year-in and year-out.
Agriculture is getting more attention. That's a good thing. There is a great opportunity for our producers to connect with the urban population, tell their story, and continue the effort to keep agriculture a thriving part of Oregon's economy throughout 2008.
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| The truth about Confined Animal Feeding Operations |
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Confined Animal Feeding Operations-CAFOs for short-are getting wider attention in Oregon as new facilities are proposed, including some in relatively close proximity to residents. Whether it is a CAFO yet to be built or one of nearly 600 already existing in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is trying to set the record straight on its regulatory program.
CAFOs include feedlots, ranches, dairies, poultry operations, hog farms, mink farms, livestock auction yards, and even dog kennels. But they all have one thing in common-they can produce a great deal of animal waste. ODA's CAFO program issues permits to these operations to help ensure that animal waste does not impact nearby surface waters or groundwater.
It is becoming clear that a number of common myths about CAFOs in Oregon are making the rounds. Among them:
Myth: There is little or no regulation and oversight of CAFOs in Oregon.
Fact: The law requires CAFOs to be permitted by ODA. The permit requires an animal waste management plan for all operations. ODA's program helps ensure that animal waste does not impact nearby surface waters or groundwater. ODA inspectors visit each CAFO at least once a year, more often if responding to a complaint or conducting follow-up inspections. Ensuring compliance with all permit conditions is the primary means to achieve the water quality goals of the CAFO program. ODA enforcement can range from a Water Quality Advisory, to a Notice of Noncompliance, to a Plan of Correction, to a civil penalty, and ultimately, permit revocation and the ability to operate in Oregon. There is actually quite a bit of work that a CAFO has to do through this program to ensure it is in compliance with the permit and the Federal Clean Water Act.
Myth: ODA routinely allows CAFOs to be permitted regardless of their potential impact on the surrounding area.
Fact: A facility cannot receive a CAFO permit in Oregon unless it goes through a rigorous submission and review by ODA. The applicant has to submit an animal waste management plan that explains how much waste the facility is going to generate, what they are going to do with that waste, and how it is going to be stored or agronomically applied on crop fields. In short, the applicant needs to demonstrate how they will ensure that they are not going to create water pollution.
Unlike other permits that might have guidelines for effluent which have allowances for discharge into a water body, CAFO permits require zero discharge. Animal waste must be maintained on site and is not permitted to reach nearby surface water and groundwater. ODA carefully examines applications for a CAFO permit to ensure all requirements are met before that permit is issued.
Myth: ODA has the ability to keep CAFOs from being permitted and sited based on their size, the odor they may emit, or their proximity to residents.
Fact: The CAFO permit is designed to address potential water quality issues and any negative impacts created by animal waste. The permit process does not give ODA the authority to approve or deny for other reasons. However, that doesn't mean CAFOs can be placed anywhere around the state.
The first thing ODA needs for a new CAFO registration application is a land use compatibility statement from the local land use jurisdiction. Part of the reason for land use zoning in the first place is to determine where it is appropriate for agriculture to place these kinds of facilities. The permit application never gets past first base without the local approval based on the land use review. These facilities are sited on land zoned for agriculture. Nearby residents may be subject, again, to local action.
As far as proximity to residents, it again falls back to zoning. Local building codes may dictate how close to a property line someone can build. But ODA isn't the agency addressing that issue.
The ODA CAFO permit does not regulate odor.
Size of operation is not necessarily a criteria. ODA issues one general CAFO permit, but does divide it into three sizes of facilities. As long as permit applicants demonstrate they have a plan to control animal waste generated on the facility and keep it from polluting nearby waterways, the CAFO permit can and will be issued.
Myth: Large CAFOs, sometimes referred to as factory farms, are flocking to Oregon because of a perceived lax regulatory oversight.
Fact: In the last three years, ODA has received three new applications for large federal CAFOs. Two of those three have been for existing facilities already permitted that wanted to expand their operation. This year, there has been only one application for a brand new CAFO. Three applications in the last eight months out of a total of 590 permitted facilities is roughly one half of one percent of all CAFOs in the state, not exactly a case of large CAFOs flocking to Oregon.
Myth: ODA doesn't care what the public thinks in matters related to CAFOs.
Fact: ODA has held public information meetings in communities where a prospective CAFO has generated concern. ODA receives and considers public comments, if any, before a permit is granted. However, the final decision on allowing a CAFO continues to be based on those factors specified by law-nothing more and nothing less. The law and the program are designed to protect water quality-and it is working.
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| PURS deadline drawing near |
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Time is growing short. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is reminding those who fall under Oregon's Pesticide Use Reporting System (PURS) that the reporting deadline for this past year is fast approaching. All 2007 pesticide applications must be reported online through PURS no later than January 31, 2008. The requirement to report applies to anyone using a registered pesticide or pest control product in the course of business, or for a government entity, or in a public place.
PURS became operational in January 2007. The electronic reporting system allows pesticide users to register and submit information to a secure Web site that will confidentially collect, summarize, and retain data. PURS will provide information on what pesticides are being used in Oregon, in what quantities, and generally where they are being applied.
Those who have not yet registered for PURS will need to do so in order to obtain an identification number and temporary password. Once they receive the identification number and temporary password, they can log into the reporting system, change the password, and file reports of 2007 pesticide applications.
PURS staff members are available by telephone Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm at 503-986-6472 to help with any questions or problems experienced by pesticide users who need to report. Messages can also be left at the same number after hours and will be returned as soon as possible the next business day. Questions can also be e-mailed to purs-info@oda.state.or.us.
Oregon law specifically states that not reporting is a violation and subject to enforcement action. Depending on the circumstances, ODA could issue a notice of violation, a civil penalty, or revocation of a pesticide-related license.
PURS is available at http://oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/purs_index.shtml. Additional information about the system and its requirements are also available on the Web site.
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| Net Farm Income |
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An economic snapshot of Oregon agriculture in 2006 is a mixed bag of good news, bad news. On the positive side, farmers and ranchers collectively recorded the highest gross income mark in the state's history at more than $4.8 billion. On the down side, operating expenses have also never been higher, and actually outstripped the gains made in production value and sales. The end result is a 2006 net farm income of $875 million-a 9.6 percent decrease from the previous year and a nearly 28 percent drop from 2004's record high net farm income.
The latest numbers do not suggest that Oregon agriculture is in trouble, however. It is all a matter of historical perspective.
"The 2006 net farm income is still the third highest in Oregon history, says Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. "Our diverse agriculture includes some farmers and ranchers that are doing very well while others are struggling. Net farm income is an average number. We need to recognize not everyone is making money and not everyone is losing money. On the whole, I'd say agriculture is doing well and contributes significantly to Oregon's economy."
Net farm income is the amount retained by agricultural producers after paying all business-related expenses. It is considered an important indicator of the agricultural economy's overall health. Statistics provided by the US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service show net farm income has more than doubled since 2000, despite a decrease in each of the past two years.
"Farmers' gross incomes continue to go up, and that's good news," says ODA analyst Brent Searle. "But it's costing growers more to purchase their fuel, fertilizers, pesticides, seed, and other inputs. Employee compensation is also going up at an increasing rate."
The numbers for 2006 vary by commodity sector. Crop production value-led by double digit increases for tree fruits and vegetables-jumped 12 percent. However, livestock production value dropped 7.4 percent, largely due to a decrease in dairy prices in 2006.
On balance, the overall production value of Oregon agriculture increased 4.8 percent in 2006 to $4.8 billion, according to USDA statistics.
Expenses are up across the board for Oregon farmers and ranchers.
"In the last two years, fertilizer costs are up 25 percent, the cost of pesticides is up nearly 14 percent, and the cost of petroleum products is up 35 percent," says Searle.
The price of fuel is especially dramatic to Oregon farmers and ranchers. The same kind of hike consumers see at the gas pump is affecting the profit margin of agricultural producers. The cost of petroleum fuel and oils has more than doubled in the past four years. Other expenses such as machine repair, marketing, storage, and transportation are also way up.
Another notable expense for producers is property taxes, which have collectively increased nearly 50 percent in the past two years in Oregon.
As is the case every year, wages paid remains the number one expense for farmers and ranchers. About $900 million was paid to workers by farmers in 2006 to raise their crops and livestock. That is the highest employee compensation mark for agriculture in Oregon history and is a three percent increase over 2005, a 14 percent increase over 2004.
Even though overall net farm income has increased this decade, it is a misnomer to assume that Oregon farmers and ranchers are generally getting rich. The USDA statistics do not account for payments on land purchases, family living expenses, or family health insurance. Also, cash received by the producer is often put back into the operation for equipment, buildings, and other essentials of the business. Producers have also seen an increased cost to meet environmental and regulatory obligations. Most of these expenses come out of the farmer's net income.
Predicting the 2007 net farm income is not an exact science. But with stronger prices paid for grain, dairy, and many other Oregon commodities, economists expect a better bottom line for farmers and ranchers, even though expenses are probably not going down anytime soon.
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| Here comes the Census of Agriculture |
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The most ambitious and important agricultural survey of all is getting underway in Oregon and the rest of the 50 states as the 2007 Census of Agriculture literally reaches out to every farmer and rancher in the United States.
Oregon producers are urged to cooperate with the census being conducted by the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years, and even though this one is considered the 2007 Census, the actual results and reports won't be completed until early 2009. That's because of the huge amount of information and details that need to be gathered and analyzed.
"The census provides a comprehensive snapshot for Oregon all the way down to the county level and gives all kinds of information about the farm population, "says Chris Mertz, state director with the Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service, whose staff is responsible for conducting the census in Oregon.
Questionnaires have been sent to all farmers on record. Completed surveys are due February 4, 2008. Timely, complete, and accurate responses to the questions in the agricultural report forms are essential.
"It would be worth their while for farmers and ranchers to complete the survey," says Mertz. "There are many policy decisions that are made at the national and state level that will result from the survey. We need as accurate a data as possible because it definitely helps the agricultural community and population in general by presenting the real story of agriculture in Oregon and the US."
Figures compiled by the census are used to determine funding for extension work, research, soil conservation, and other agricultural-related services. Private industry uses census statistics to provide more effective production and distribution systems-for example, to locate feed mills and farm equipment dealerships where they will provide better service and offer competitive prices to farmers. Information from such statistical data helps make the case for specific grant program dollars.
This year, about 50,000 questionnaires are being mailed out to the 40,000 farmers and ranchers in Oregon. All should be receiving their copies shortly after the new year. The 24-page questionnaire should be able to be completed within a half an hour for most producers.
For the first time, the Census of Agriculture this year offers a high tech option for respondents.
"Farmers can complete the census online," says Mertz. "The packet of information coming in the mail will have instructions on how they can send that information by computer. As we all know, Oregon is a leading state in computer use by farmers. So, I think most Oregon farmers and ranchers would like to have this option."
The online option involves a secure Web site. Those who plan on sending back the information the old fashioned way will need to put the census forms in the mail by the February 4, 2008 deadline.
For census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold or normally would have been sold during the census year.
The law requiring farmers and ranchers to complete the census forms also protects confidentiality and privacy of information they supply. Individual forms cannot be seen by anyone but sworn NASS employees.
The agriculture census is the only source of uniform data down to the county level on agricultural production and inventories. Originally taken every 10 years, farm census data has been collected every five years since 1920. Historical census data is actually available from as early as 1840.
For now, information about 2007 is all that's needed from Oregon's farmers and ranchers.
Information about the 2007 Census of Agriculture is available at
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov
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| Well-known chef joins ODA to help get more Oregon foods into schools |
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One of the big names of the region's food scene has joined the Oregon Department of Agriculture team. Award-winning chef and author Cory Schreiber is managing ODA's efforts to increase utilization of Oregon fresh and processed foods in the state's school feeding programs. In his new role, Schreiber works with farmers, food processors, distributors, and school district food service staff as well as existing farm-to-school groups and programs to help get more nutritious, locally-produced foods into Oregon schools.
"The job description drew my interest," says Schreiber. "Historically, I have worked with food, local farms, and bringing the goods to market. Now the market is the public school system. I see this as a continuation of my passion for Oregon farms and food."
As founder, general manager, and executive chef of Wildwood Restaurant in Portland, Schreiber has long promoted use of Oregon food products, acting as a liaison between local farmers and the public marketplace. For 30 years, the Oregon native has been immersed in Oregon food. His family's ties to Oregon's culinary bounty can be traced back 100 years with their founding of the well-known Oregon Oyster Company and Dan & Louis Oyster Bar in Portland.
After spending several years learning from and working with well-known chefs throughout the country, Schreiber returned to Portland in 1994 and began "cooking from the source" as he calls it, when he opened Wildwood. He emphasized sustainably-grown produce from local producers prepared in beautiful and flavorful ways. Schreiber won the James Beard Award in 1998 for Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest, and continued to make himself a name on a local, regional, and national basis.
Schreiber is now using that considerable experience and knowledge to make a difference in the nutritional lives of children as well as helping local growers become more successful.
"We can connect Oregon foods with our school systems," he says. "It's not about changing the menus. I joke with people familiar with my restaurant past that you are not going to see crab cakes in the schools. But we do want to think about the quality and nutrition that goes into the menu."
Schreiber has participated in ODA trade missions to promote Oregon products abroad and has a long history of showcasing local foods in his restaurant. Instead of working in front of a stove or oven, he will have a desk at the Food Innovation Center in Portland, which houses ODA's Agricultural Development and Marketing Division. Don't think this will be a desk job, however.
"I'm happy to be an advocate for Oregon's commitment to innovation with schools," he says. "My intent is to bring innovation into the way foods are sourced, processed, and distributed to school cafeterias around the state."
In the new ODA position-authorized by the 2007 Oregon Legislature-Schreiber serves as the agency's program manager and primary liaison with Oregon school districts, the Oregon Department of Education, non-governmental organizations, growers, processors, and other stakeholders interested in increasing utilization of locally-produced food products in Oregon's K-12 school feeding programs. Schreiber will identify and apply for private, state, and federal grant funds to assist farm-to-school program development. His duties also include enhancing awareness of the bounty of Oregon agriculture of fresh and locally-sourced products. Ultimately, the goal of the position is to get kids' diets to reflect more fresh and local fare.
Schreiber has been effective in working with local growers and groups who have done considerable work already making inroads to the farm-to-school effort. Schreiber is also the father of two children who attended Portland Public Schools (one is still in high school at Wilson), and has been helping with district fundraisers for years. Understanding the relationships between all groups will come in handy.
Schreiber's enthusiasm for his new job is matched by his optimism. He says the support for farm-to-school efforts has gained momentum and the awareness is at an all-time high. Many entities need to come together, but success is reachable. He believes he can play a key role in making it happen.
"For agriculture, success would mean more," he says. "It would mean more plantings and hopefully more revenue for farmers. For kids, it would mean more, too. More fresh Oregon foods in the schools, and more awareness by kids as to where that food is coming from."
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| Make a wish! |
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When you arrive at your 150th birthday, you deserve something special. And that's just what the Oregon Century Farm & Ranch (OCF&R) Program hopes to give to our state's oldest farms and ranches.
On February 14, 2008, fourteen families who have reached their 150th year of continuous ownership and operation will be honored at a special public ceremony. The awards event will be held in the Salem Veteran's Building Auditorium. Historical photographs and biographies will highlight each family's efforts to retain ownership, and their individual agricultural contribution.
Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Katy Coba, and key Oregon State House representatives will be on hand to present the Sesquicentennial Award, and introduce a signed House Bill honoring the sesquicentennial families. As a special gift, the OCF&R program sponsors, including the ODA, and the Oregon Agricultural Education Foundation, are ordering new signs for the honorees.
The newly designed, green and white roadside signs will identify many of our state's oldest working farms and ranches to highway visitors. The "150" commemorative signs carry the family name, the year the farm or ranch was established, and are intended to replace worn or rusted signs the family may have used since the original OCF&R program began in 1958.
Immediately following the 2008 Valentine's Day ceremony, Sesquicentennial Award families and their guests will be hosted to a reception and refreshments in the lobby of the ODA building. The only caveat to wishing happy birthday to the group may be to make sure the fire department is on hand!
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| ODA's "Field General" in the war against insect pests steps down |
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| Johnson releasing biocontrol agents for cereal leaf beetle. |
In nearly 22 years at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Kathleen Johnson has not found an invasive insect pest she didn't want to eradicate.
Her passion in protecting the state's agriculture, economy, and environment will be missed, but her contributions, as part of ODA's team of soldiers in the war against bad bugs, will last forever. Johnson has retired as manager of the Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program-a career that has seen dozens of eradication programs ranging from gypsy moth to Japanese beetle to various wood boring insects. From the tumultuous early days of spraying a quarter-million acres of Lane County for gypsy moth in the mid 1980s to the generally publicly accepted smaller projects of recent years, Johnson has watched the evolution of how Oregon responds to damaging insect pests.
"When I was offered the job to come to ODA, I was told that I would be bored within a couple of years," says Johnson. "I took it while the department was involved in the gypsy moth program and, within two years, we had detected our first Japanese beetle. Ever since, it has been a non-stop ride."
While there were times when residents balked at having their property treated for gypsy moth or Japanese beetle, Johnson and her staff were able to complete projects and keep infestations of unwanted insects from surviving. This was done largely through an effective public information process in which ODA met the public in frank and open meetings on the affected community's own turf. Johnson has spent countless hours answering questions-sometimes standing up against harsh criticism from skeptical activists-to calmly allay fears of the spray's impact.
"There is still a fear of pesticides, so we try to provide credible information on what we are proposing in our eradication projects," she says. "We look into environmental safety, human safety, and pet safety when we make our proposals. That has been unchanging, but the percentage of fearful people out there has diminished. What I've also witnessed is a change in people's understanding of the importance of our programs. We get a lot of support from most Oregonians for keeping out gypsy moth, for keeping out Japanese beetle, for keeping out other invasive insects. People really care about their plants and trees."
Under Johnson's watch, ODA's insect pest protocol has become clear: Detect invasive insect pests early and eradicate their populations quickly while infestations are small. That way, Oregonians can avoid more expansive, expensive, and intrusive spray projects in the future.
While Johnson is not likely to forget the bugs she has battled over the years, she will also remember the people.
"There have been so many good people-and not simply just from this department," she says. "Working with other agencies, agricultural producers, and the public-I've really appreciated them."
As globalization continues, Johnson will always remain concerned about Oregon's overall ability to keep out invasive exotic insects and diseases and the impact that has on future generations. But she feels good about turning over the keys to the office to the rest of her ODA staff. Although she refrains from wanting to give too much advice to her successors, Johnson does have a quick, easy-to-remember motto that can be adopted when it comes to insect pest prevention and management.
"Never give up."
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| Oregon pink shrimp get jumbo-sized recognition |
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Oregon's pink shrimp fishery has achieved a prestigious and important status after receiving the world's first sustainable shrimp certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification program.
With the certification, Oregon's pink shrimp fishery is recognized around the world as a well-managed resource, a distinction that could translate into additional sales to environmentally-conscious consumers.
"Oregon's pink shrimp fishery has achieved a very important milestone in sustainability that will bring international attention to our state," says Governor Ted Kulongoski. "This achievement represents a significant step in identifying Oregon as a leader in sustainable resource management."
MSC runs the world's leading independent certification program for sustainable fisheries and used an independent certifier, TAVEL Certification Inc., to conduct the rigorous four-year evaluation process.
"This is a huge accomplishment for our pink shrimp fishery," says Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. "The certifying body is an internationally recognized organization with very high scientific standards for approving certification of a wild fishery. This is the first fishery in Oregon and the first pink shrimp fishery in the world to be MSC-certified. That is impressive."
ODA oversees Oregon commodity commissions. The Oregon Trawl Commission did the work of documenting pink shrimp as a well-managed fishery. The certification allows Oregon pink shrimp to be sold as a premium product.
"This is a program targeted to consumers," says Coba. "The MSC eco-label goes onto the product and consumers will see that label at the retail level. This certification gives a boost to the credibility of Oregon wild fisheries in both the domestic and international marketplace."
The objective of MSC is to promote fisheries certified as sustainable using a market-driven approach that leverages the eco-label on certified fish products. By educating consumers about the plight of fishing stocks in the world, MSC hopes that consumers will reward sustainable fisheries by choosing seafood originating from certified sustainable fisheries.
Currently, only 22 fisheries in the world are certified.
Oregon pink shrimp are small, usually ranging in size from about 100 to 140 whole shrimp per pound. Fished from the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean, Oregon pink shrimp are harvested using the most advanced trawl methods. Following short at-sea trips and immediate on-board icing, the shrimp are delivered to shore for cooking, peeling, and freezing, resulting in an extremely fresh product that is considered some of the most flavorful shrimp in the world. Canned and frozen shrimp are available year round, and fresh shrimp are typically available at local markets from the beginning of April to the end of October. The value of Oregon's pink shrimp industry fluctuates from year to year. More than 20 million pounds of pink shrimp were landed by this year's fleet and sold at 47 cents per pound, the highest price the commodity has seen since 1999.
MSC officials say the global demand for independently certified and labeled sustainable seafood is growing. Oregon officials are hopeful the certification will result in a higher price paid for Oregon pink shrimp.
What has happened with the pink shrimp fishery fits well with Oregon agriculture moving towards sustainability and certification. All over the world, there is an increased desire to achieve independent, third party certification to verify the product as sustainable. In Oregon, this is happening on land and now at sea.
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| Oregon Agripedia now available |
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The first edition of the Oregon Agripedia combines the information of the Oregon Agricultural Statistics Bulletin, the Oregon Farmer's Handbook, and the Oregon Agricultural Resources Directory into one handy reference for Oregon agriculture facts, laws, and resources.
A limited number of copies are available now. Request your Agripedia now by calling 503-986-4550 or sending your request to:
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Information Office
635 Capitol St. NE
Salem, OR 97301-2532 info@oda.state.or.us Order form
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| Announcements |
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Save the date!
Ag Progress Awards Dinner
- March 18, 2008
- Pendleton Convention Center
- Pendleton Oregon
- 5:30pm—No host social
- 6:30pm—Dinner
Industry related meetings and activities will also be held at the Pendleton Convention Center on March 18. Call 503-986-4552, or visit the Web site http://oregon.gov/ODA/ap.shtml to register for the dinner and preview activities as details become available.
Risk management seminars
The Oregon Department of Agriculture in partnership with the USDA's Risk Management Agency is conducting farm risk management seminars across the Willamette Valley this winter focusing on the Adjusted Gross Revenue line of federal crop insurance products and strategies and incentives for utilizing renewable energy sources. Listen in to the presentation at the following grower meetings. Call 503-872-6600 for more information or to schedule a presentation for your group.
- Monday, 1/28/08 Processed Vegetable Growers, Albany, OR Presentation at 10:30am
- Thursday, 1/31/08 NW Ag Show, Portland, OR Presentation at 1:00pm
- Wednesday, 2/20/08 Oregon Strawberry Grower Meeting Time and location TBA
Harvesting Clean Energy 8
Bringing agriculture and clean energy production together to advance opportunities for rural economic development.
Board of Agriculture meeting
January 31-February 1, 2008. Best Western Mill Creek Inn, Salem
- Call 503-986-4550 for more information
Oregon Invasive Species Council meeting
February 5-6, 2008 Northwest Viticulture Center, Salem
Small Farm Direct Marketing Conference
Air Quality task group meetings
- 1/11/2008 8:30am-12:00pm Salem ODA Hearings Room
- 1/23/2008 8:30am-5:00pm Portland, location TBD
- 2/20/2008 8:30am-5:00pm Salem ODA Hearings Room
- 3/18/2008 8:30am-5:00pm Portland, location TBD
- 4/22/2008 8:30am-5:00pm location TBD
- 5/14/2008 8:30am-5:00pm Portland, location TBD
- 6/18/2008 8:30am-5:00pm Salem ODA Hearings Room
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