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Oregon's organic agriculture solidifies its place
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9/8/2010
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Article Content Suggested lead
Organic agriculture is growing in Oregon and has definitely gone mainstream. Two separate acknowledgements are giving validation to the practice this month: (NOTE: Organically Grown in Oregon Week is September 13-19)
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Audio 01
With the governor proclaiming Organically Grown in Oregon Week, there is one more piece of proof that organic agriculture is a big deal:
HOBBS: "Many, many years ago it was thought of as a fringe activity and a fringe component largely populated by oddballs and kooks. Now it is very, very mainstream, widely accepted, and a very, very important functional part of Oregon agriculture." :17
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Audio 02
Oregon Department of Agriculture Assistant Director Dalton Hobbs says even though organic still accounts for just a fraction of overall agricultural production in the state, you can't ignore its popularity among consumers who used to have to go to special stores to buy organic:
HOBBS: "Even the larger, major multiple retailers have decided to offer sections devoted to organic produce. They carry wide ranges of processed organic foods. I think it's clearly part of the mainstream now." :17
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In addition to the special week in Oregon for organic agriculture, a letter of intent has been signed by key agencies and organizations, including ODA, that paves the way for greater cooperation in the area of organics, with an annual meeting to discuss strategies for the future. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
Additional audio: Audio 03
HOBBS says there has been tremendous growth in the number of organic farms in Oregon, even though a vast majority of agricultural production remains conventional:
"Often times, growers will have a diversified operation where one part of their farm and the other is organic. Some are entirely organic. But it's a segment of Oregon agriculture that is growing in importance and a significant part now of our agricultural scene." :17
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Additional audio: Audio 04
HOBBS says even though organic is getting is own special week, Oregonians need to realize agriculture comes in all shapes, sizes, and production methods:
"All agriculture here in Oregon is important. I think we need to continually tell that story. As we segment that story, as we tell different parts of it, an opportunity to highlight and call attention to organic agriculture is very important." :18
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/100908organic.shtml |
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