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Source: https://cdn.ymaws.com/oan.site-ym.com/resource/rss/news.rss

<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
<title>Nursery News</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Recent events, essential information and the latest community news. ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 2 May 2024 18:05:38 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright © 2024 Oregon Association of Nurseries</copyright>
<atom:link href="http://www.oan.org/resource/rss/news.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link>
<item>
<title>OSHA asks businesses to take Safety Break for Oregon</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/668173/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/668173/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: Oregon Occupational Safety and Health encourages employers to take part in Safety Break for Oregon to recognize employer and worker successes in cultivating safe and healthy workplaces, engage in open and direct conversations, examine future challenges, and develop plans to minimize or eliminate workplace hazards. Take Wednesday, May 8, as a time to refresh safety knowledge and training, conduct an assessment of where safety and health could be improved, or celebrate successes and recognize emerging safety leaders. <a href="https://osha.oregon.gov/safetybreak/Pages/signup.aspx" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Sign up now.</a> You could even <a href="https://osha.oregon.gov/safetybreak/Pages/sharpalliance.aspx" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">win a $100 prize.</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Comment period begins for Groundwater Allocation Rules</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/668172/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/668172/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has opened the public comment period for their new Groundwater Allocation Rules. Public hearings are being held throughout Oregon and virtually.  Central Oregon, April 4, 7-9 p.m., Deschutes Services Building, 1300 N.W. Wall Street, Bend. Eastern Oregon, April 18, 7-9 p.m. Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building, Room 339, 1 University Blvd., La Grande. Southern Oregon, May 16, 2024, 7-9 p.m., Jackson County Auditorium, 7520 Table Rock Road, Central Point. Salem and virtual, May 21, 2024, 7-9 p.m., North Mall Office Building, Room 124, 725 Summer St. N.E., Salem. This is a hybrid meeting including in-person and virtual attendance. To register for the Zoom hearing, <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvd-2qrTgjH9WJHUTMxqzgCTdeokr1xtrs#/registration" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">click here.</a> Why it matters: “As currently proposed, the rules will create a de facto moratorium on new ground water applications,” Oregon Association of Nurseries Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “This is the most significant change to Oregon water law in many years and nurseries seeking expansion of operations would face likely rejection of groundwater applications.” Act now: Comments can be submitted in person by attending one of the hearings or may be submitted in writing to: Laura Hartt, Oregon Water Resources Department, 725 Summer St. N.E., Suite A, Salem, OR 97301. Written comments must be received by May 31 at 5 p.m.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ruef represents OAN at Women in Ag Roundtable</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/668171/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/668171/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: Oregon Association of Nurseries Vice President Darcy Ruef (Al’s Garden & Home) represented the association at a recent Women in Agriculture Roundtable with U.S. Department of Agriculture Trade and Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Alexis Taylor.  The focus was on trade barriers and opportunities facing agriculture. The discussion was wide ranging and included Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Gail Greenman, Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Lisa Hansen, USDA Rural Development Deputy Director Jill Rees along with representatives from the agricultural industry. Ruef highlighted the fact that relationships matter in trade and also with the USDA. OAN works the closest with the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on plant health and keeping green goods moving through the US and internationally. Darcy pointed out that the OAN has worked with Taylor during her prior stint at USDA when OAN members had shipping troubles and thanked her for helping the industry resolve the problem.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>ODA makes emerald ash borer quarantine permanent</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/668170/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/668170/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: As state officials continue to work to determine how far and how fast the emerald ash borer (EAB) is spreading statewide, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has adopted a permanent quarantine, limiting the movement of ash, white fringe and olive tree materials from Washington County. Control measure: ODA says it has hired contractors to remove trees in the Forest Grove area, which is heavily infested with EAB. The removals began over the winter and will continue this spring before the emergence of adult EABs. The downed trees are being burned nearby in the ODA’s new air curtain incinerator. This will reduce the overall numbers of EAB that take flight next summer, hopefully slowing the spread to surrounding areas. The project is being funded by a grant from Oregon Department of Forestry. The grant will allow the tree removals to be done on 36 different properties on the south side of Forest Grove at no cost to landowners and provide funds to plant replacement trees this fall. <a href="https://www.oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org/eab" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">For more information on EAB</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tess Chapman joins OAN as marketing coordinator</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/668166/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/668166/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: The Oregon Association of Nurseries has hired Tess Chapman as marketing coordinator. Chapman started working at the OAN on Monday. Background: Chapman started her career as a freelance writer before working for a marketing agency over the last five years. She is a native Oregonian and graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor’s degree in arts and letters. “I’m enthusiastic about bringing my marketing experience and skills to this role and having a meaningful impact in helping promote the association and its events to the industry,” Chapman said. “It’s encouraging to work in such a constructive environment.” Her role: As marketing coordinator, Chapman will be responsible for much of the OAN’s online and social media presence, as well as crafting a variety of content and creating digital and print materials. Reaction: “Chapman occupies a new position that was created to help market the association to our members and non-members and to increase member engagement in our programs and events and we look forward to her contributions,” Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “We're thrilled to welcome Tess to our team! Her marketing background promises fresh perspectives to invigorate our marketing efforts. Tess's joining marks an exciting phase in our team's growth, and we're eager to collaborate with her as we strengthen the marketing of the association and its members,” said Director of Marketing and Member Services Beth Farmer.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>OAN leaders lobby in Washington, D.C.</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/668164/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/668164/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[OAN President Amanda Staehely (<a href="http://www.columbia-nursery.com/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Columbia Nursery</a>), President-Elect Ben Verhoeven (<a href="https://www.peoriagardens.com/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Peoria Gardens</a>), and Executive Committee Member-at-Large Chris Robinson (<a href="https://www.robinsonnursery.com/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Robinson Nursery</a>), along with OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone, met with USDA officials and six of Oregon's eight members of Congress last week in Washington, D.C. The agenda: The OAN leaders lobbied federal decision makers and officials to include nursery industry priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill, improve specialty crop damage insurance for growers, bolster research and development deductions for green industry companies, pass immigration reform to support industry workforce needs, and recognize industry contributions on climate, particularly carbon sequestration. The impact: “Our delegation led by Amanda Staehely made a strong impression in D.C.,” Stone said. “It’s about relationships. Our members are tremendous advocates for our industry, explaining the rubber-meets-road reality that happens at working nurseries, in a way that we hope will enable informed decision making. This trip was no exception, and Amanda, Ben and Chris did a great job.” Fun time: The group toured the White House by arrangement of U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Oregon 5th District), and also took in local sights and culture.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Beware of ransomware, federal officials warn</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667405/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667405/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Agriculture is vulnerable to threats from terrorism and cybercrime, federal officials said during the recent Commodity Classic agricultural trade event in Houston, according to <a href="https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/20755-fbi-warns-of-risks-facing-agriculture" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">reporting by Agri-Pulse</a>. Details: Wade Greening with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Omaha field office educated producers on the risks of ransomware attacks — where information is stolen by hackers and held for ransom — and the possibility of email compromise that could lead to hefty financial losses. According to Greening, the average ransom runs about $320,000, and 40% of victims pay it. Email compromise was a $2.5 billion enterprise last year; Greening said he was personally aware of $2.5 million lost in the Iowa and Nebraska ag sectors in the previous 45 days alone, including one $750,000 loss. “This is a serious threat and has happened to nursery operations in Oregon,” Oregon Association of Nurseries Executive Director Jeff Stone said. What to do: Greening advises contacting the FBI as soon as possible and said victims have a 73% chance of getting their money back if they contact the FBI within 72 hours of a problematic transaction. Producers are also encouraged to monitor their farms, grocery stores, processing facilities, and transportation systems for any suspicious activity including cargo tampering, a new strain of a disease, unexplained equipment purchase or rental. Officials said those could all be indicators of possible threats.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>ODA proposes adding six plants to endangered list</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667404/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667404/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: The Oregon Department of Agriculture is <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/298f4183201/7e80962f-1995-42e1-83e1-0cd10b1cd7f0.pdf" target="_blank" data-link-type="document" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">proposing to add six endangered species to the state’s list of threatened and endangered plants</a>, which would provide species-level conservation attention and state protection on non-federal public land. The plants: (Note: These plant names include the names of the botanists who discovered them, as is common practice in certain plant nomenclature). – Castilleja mendocinensis (Eastw.) Pennell — Mendocino coast paintbrush; – Lasthenia ornduffii R. Chan — large-flowered goldfields; – Lomatium bentonitum K. Carlson and Mansfield — bentonite biscuitroot; – Penstemon hesperius M. Peck — tall western penstemon; – Pyrrocoma scaberula Greene — rough goldenweed; – Rorippa columbiae (B. L. Rob.) Howell — Columbia yellowcress Comment: A public comment period is open through 5 p.m., March 29. Email <a href="mailto:listedplants@oda.oregon.gov" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">ListedPlants@ODA.Oregon.gov</a> or call 503-986-4621.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Linn-Benton Small Business Center offering pesticide applicator training</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667403/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667403/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: The <a href="https://www.linnbenton.edu/educational-options/community-and-continuing-education/extended-learning/continuing-education/pesticide.php" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Linn-Benton Small Business Development Center</a> is offering pesticide private applicator trainings in English and Spanish. The English class is offered remotely for convenience and the Spanish class is offered in person to maximize hands-on help with a bilingual instructor. Details: <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclients.oregonsbdc.org%2Fworkshop.aspx%3Fekey%3D60440033&data=05%7C02%7Cbfarmer%40oan.org%7Cc074bd6a809f49a9678208dc3f901cb3%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638455135390814149%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2Bfw%2B3hkm1EJCovjY85Lsv%2BO5hOrsoTIIbmHIKXTbhYg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">English</a>: Friday, April 12 (8 a.m.– 2:20 p.m.) and Saturday, April 13 (8 a.m.– 12:20 p.m.), via Zoom, cost $119, 10 total hours.</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclients.oregonsbdc.org%2Fworkshop.aspx%3Fekey%3D60440030&data=05%7C02%7Cbfarmer%40oan.org%7Cc074bd6a809f49a9678208dc3f901cb3%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638455135390819497%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X4%2BOqAphU26%2FU2G9nAxXKgDQXxRYJMIaaY%2BZdYpmSso%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Spanish</a>: Friday, April 5 (8 a.m.–2:20 p.m.) and Saturday, April 6 (8 a.m.–12:20 p.m.), in person at 757 N.W. Polk Ave. #223, Corvallis, Oregon, cost $119, 10 total hours.</li></ul>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Get involved and maximize your membership experience</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667401/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667401/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Active member engagement and participation keep the Oregon Association of Nurseries strong. Your time is precious. There is only so much of you to go around. The OAN offers numerous ways to contribute and make a mark on the industry, no matter your level of availability. From taking on a role as a chapter officer or committee member to simply donating auction items to ONPAC, there’s a diverse range of opportunities for you to engage with the association and amplify your impact. So, seize the chance to get involved and shape the future of our community! <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.oan.org/committee" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Learn about OAN Committees</a></li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.oan.org/chapters" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Learn about OAN Chapters</a></li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.oan.org/leadershipgroups" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Learn about Nursery Professionals and Leadership Groups</a></li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://farwestshow.com/volunteer-application/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Volunteer opportunities at the Farwest Show</a></li></ul> Get involved: Go to <a href="https://www.oan.org/volunteer" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">OAN.org/Volunteer</a> or call 503-682-5089]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wurdinger unveils custom soil mixer at open house</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667402/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667402/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: <a href="https://wurdingermanufacturing.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Wurdinger Manufacturing Inc.</a> unveiled a new custom soil mixer and showcased other labor-saving machinery it manufactures for the nursery industry at an open house on March 7 at its facility in Silverton, Oregon. Details: About 125 people attended the event, said Aage Wurdinger. The highlight was a new soil mixer that can combine different ingredients in different proportions according to a recipe that the user programs into the mixer. The machine can store several recipes in memory and you can mix several blends in sequence. It will clear the ingredients for one blend before starting the next blend. The machine was custom designed for a nursery in California.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>OAN, farm groups pass ag equipment tax fix</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667400/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667400/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: The Oregon Association of Nurseries and other farm groups have won passage of a bill clarifying that certain farm machinery and equipment are exempt from property taxes in Oregon. <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Measures/Overview/HB4111" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">House Bill 4111</a> passed the Oregon House 53-0 (with 7 excused) and the Oregon Senate 28-0 (with 2 excused), during the February 2024 short session of the Legislature. The bill heads next to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk for her signature. Up to now, ag equipment has been exempted from personal property taxes. However, some assessors have been taxing some equipment, including nursery potting lines, as real property. It sometimes came down to whether the equipment was bolted down for safety on the day they were there, and thus considered part of the structure for tax purposes. Treatment of the same equipment often differed from one property to the next. OAN members acted as citizen lobbyists, explaining to legislators through testimony and/or personal meetings how the uncertainty affected them. Participants included Leigh Geschwill (<a href="https://www.fandbfarms.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">F & B Farms and Nursery</a>), Kyle Fessler (<a href="https://woodburnnursery.com/resources/display/home" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas</a>), Tyler Meskers (<a href="https://oregonflowers.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Oregon Flowers Inc.</a>), Jim Simnitt (<a href="https://www.simnittnursery.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Simnitt Nursery</a>), Mark VanHoef (<a href="https://www.oregonpridenurseries.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Oregon Pride Nurseries</a>) and Paul Bizon (<a href="https://www.bizonnursery.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Bizon Nursery LLC</a>). ]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>DEQ providing hazardous waste management training</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667263/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667263/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is providing free in-person and virtual training on the basics of hazardous waste management under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). In-person RCRA basics: Bart Collinsworth of DEQ is hosting three in-person RCRA Basics training:<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-weight: bold;">Keizer: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, Willow Lake Treatment Plant, Columbia Room, 5915 Windsor Island Road N. </li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-weight: bold;">Medford: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, Goodwill Center, 11 W. Jackson St.</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-weight: bold;">Eugene: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday, July 9 - DEQ office, Willamette Room, 165 E. Seventh Ave., Suite 100.</li></ul> To participate: email Denise Miller at <a href="mailto:DEQWR.SolidWastePermitCoordinator@deq.oregon.gov" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">DEQWR.SolidWastePermitCoordinator@deq.oregon.gov</a> or call her at 541-333-8515.  Virtual training: <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 1– 5 p.m. <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9417037064243/WN_jcGNEvIqQ-auqeqd6OymQw#/registration" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Register</a></li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, 8 a.m.–noon. <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017037064913/WN__50VsPDJSFWblbBy0Y6rLw#/registration" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Register</a></li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, 1–5 p.m. <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7217037066219/WN_0S2OTJ_mQYitW7IdZ20XSg#/registration" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Register</a></li></ul>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>USDA expands insurance option for nurseries to all states</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667262/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667262/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Crop insurance for nursery producers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been expanded to all counties in all states, according to a USDA press release. Details: Nursery Value Select (NVS) is a pilot program that lets nurseries pick the amount of coverage that fits their needs. Its expansion is part of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) efforts to provide insurance options for a broader group of producers, including specialty crop growers. NVS provides similar but improved coverage to the longstanding Nursery Field Grown and Container program. NVS also covers field grown and containerized nursery plants and offers coverage levels between catastrophic and 75 percent. Prior to this expansion, NVS was only available in select counties in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Beginning with the 2025 crop year, NVS will now be available in all counties in all states. The sales closing date for the 2025 crop year is May 1, 2024, or September 1, 2024, as provided in the actuarial documents. How it works: Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at <a href="http://rma.usda.gov/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">rma.usda.gov</a> or by contacting your RMA Regional Office.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
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<title>A conversation with Leigh Geschwill</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667261/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667261/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Join Women in Horticulture for an interview with Leigh Geschwill, one of the owners of F&B Farms and Nursery, in Woodburn, Oregon on April 24 at 11 a.m. Pacific time. Hear her journey of nurturing a family business where she balances multiple roles as a business owner and industry leader. Hear her thoughts on developing professional relationships, the dynamics of a family-owned business, the importance of advocacy work, and the evolving horticulture industry.  Her leadership journey began with her local Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) chapter and led to her becoming the OAN board president. Today, she is board president of the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), AmericanHort’s education foundation. HRI works to fund cutting-edge industry research and scholarships to ensure a thriving industry for years to come. <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><a href="https://www.americanhort.org/event/women-in-horticulture-interview-series-april-2024" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">To register</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Disaster designation received for Oregon counties in 2023</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667260/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667260/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: Gov. Tina Kotek announced in a statement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has determined that losses during the 2023 crop year due to weather events warrant a secretarial natural disaster designation. Under the first designation, defined as excessive rain that occurred starting on July 7, 2023, Hood River County is listed as a primary county. Clackamas, Multnomah and Wasco counties have been designated as contingent counties. Under the second designation, defined as drought, excessive heat, and high winds that occurred from July 5-15, 2023, Wasco County is listed as a primary county. Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman and Wheeler counties have been designated as continent counties. What it means: A secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. This assistance includes FSA emergency loans. OAN response: “The Oregon Department of Agriculture gave us a heads up that this was coming down the pipe, and many sectors need assistance and should get it,” Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “However, the declaration still does not solve the problem of the nursery industry’s access to crop disaster relief. This will be a topic of conversation with senior FSA officials during our lobbying visit to Washington, D.C. next week.” Resources:<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmers.gov%2Fprotection-recovery%2Fwinter-storm&data=05%7C02%7Cvpanichkul%40oan.org%7C0a4600d7e5eb4675daca08dc3d2d4e34%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638452512462787624%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SQTub9dM1pcsxFTYqX42Ch6Ci6b0LNxseBNeJ8K19bQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Farmers.gov Winter Storm Page</a> – Find information and resources to help you prepare for and recover from winter storms.</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmers.gov%2Frecover%2Fdisaster-tool&data=05%7C02%7Cvpanichkul%40oan.org%7C0a4600d7e5eb4675daca08dc3d2d4e34%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638452512462800536%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=h3BHkrXv0Dg5VR0PrtNg1bmU%2BG36RTUCul%2FT9Qmv6QI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool</a> - Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmers.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2022-07%2Ffarmersgov-disaster-assistance-brochure-07-21-2022.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cvpanichkul%40oan.org%7C0a4600d7e5eb4675daca08dc3d2d4e34%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638452512462814905%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mVBbxP218%2Fwjz3YdpJ9WI0gJW7idFt8gKNaiLIevs5I%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Disaster Assistance Programs Brochure</a> - A snapshot of all available FSA, NRCS and RMA disaster services and products</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flat.fpac.usda.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cvpanichkul%40oan.org%7C0a4600d7e5eb4675daca08dc3d2d4e34%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638452512462829447%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mD0X1yw8DWWsetz%2B4maYhHV7Cjs%2FtUDkF2TOHkwqVy8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Farm Loan Assistance Tool</a> - Answer a few short questions to learn about USDA farm loans that might be right for you.</li></ul> <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=215386" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Read more</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>SAIF, OAN exploring group workers’ comp program</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667258/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667258/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Benefit: The Oregon Association of Nurseries is partnering with SAIF to explore the viability of a group workers’ compensation program for its members. Why participate? A group program will enable members to earn a group discount by virtue of their collective experience as individual policyholders. What’s needed? “To get started, OAN members must agree to pool their past individual workers’ compensation experience to determine if a discount can be earned by the organization,” said Executive Director Jeff Stone. “This pooling is only used to calculate any available discounting of premiums and DOES NOT affect your individual experience modifier or workers’ compensation coverage with your current carrier, nor does it obligate you to participate in the OAN group program, once established.”  Take action: OAN is asking all members to fill out and complete the Consent to Group Rate Form and email it to OAN at <a href="mailto:SaifDiscountGroup@oan.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">SaifDiscountGroup@OAN.org</a> or fax to 503-682-5099 no later than April 30. The form will allow SAIF to determine if a discount can be calculated and subsequently offered to eligible OAN members. If you are currently using SAIF, OAN still needs the form completed for the purpose of establishing this group. <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">Download the <a href="https://www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/benefits/ConsentGroupRateForm2024.pdf" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Consent to Group Rate Form</a> (PDF)<p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">Read the <a href="https://www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/benefits/CoverLetter2024SAIF.pdf" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">OAN letter to members</a> (PDF)]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Housing package heads for governor’s signature</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/667259/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/667259/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature housing production package has passed both chambers of the Oregon Legislature, Oregon Public Broadcasting <a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2024/03/04/lawmakers-approve-kotek-top-priority-for-session-funding-expected-to-ease-oregon-housing-crisis/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=First%20Look%20March%205%202024&utm_content=First%20Look%20March%205%202024+CID_1c6b9687eadd63a4395355eea541e850&utm_source=firstlook&utm_term=Lawmakers%20approve%20Gov%20Tina%20Koteks%20top%20priority%20for%20the%20session%20funding%20expected%20to%20ease%20Oregon%20housing%20crisis" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">reported</a>. The package sets a housing production goal of 36,000 new housing units annually, up from the 22,000 builders created most recently. Bipartisan support was strong in both chambers. Nuts and bolts: The package is comprised of <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Measures/Overview/SB1530" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Senate Bill 1530</a>, <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Measures/Overview/SB1537" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Senate Bill 1537</a> and <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Measures/Overview/HB4134" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">House Bill 4134</a>. Together, they provide $376 million in state funds for boosting housing production, funding infrastructure, supporting renters, and allowing cities a one-time opportunity to more easily expand the urban growth boundary, or UGB. A sticking point: The UGB process, enshrined in Oregon’s landmark Senate Bill 100 growth planning rules passed back in 1973, was intended to protect farmland from development for future generations. After opposing the governor’s 2023 legislation, the OAN took an official stance of neutral on the 2024 legislation. For OAN, the key difference was that the 2023 package contemplated tapping land from rural reserves, and the 2024 package did not. “The governor’s office heard our complaints about the last process,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “They not only listened, they heard.” The OAN still registered some concerns, however. Among those were acknowledgement of the right to farm, which is often a concern next to new housing, as new residents object to the farming that pre-existed them. Other concerns included making sure any acreage included in this bill is subtracted from the 20-year land supply calculation for the next UGB expansion, and walking back a proposed exemption to landscaping requirements. The OAN will continue to monitor these concerns going forward.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Decrease in small, midsized farms highlighted in Ag Census</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666610/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666610/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The big picture: Data from the newly released 2022 Census of Agriculture shows that mid-size and small farms are disappearing. By the numbers: <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">7% drop in the number of farms from 2019 to 2022<p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">16% drop in small farms (1-9 acres)<p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">2.8% drop in small farms (10-49 acres)<p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">6.4% drop in mid-sized farms (50-179 acres)<p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">Average farm size grew from 440 to 463 acres Why it matters: Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, who underscores the need for small and mid-sized operations to secure multiple revenue streams to stay in business, continued to sound the alarm over disappearing farms at the annual Agricultural Outlook Forum held by USDA recently. The problem with the “get big or get out” theory, Vilsack said, is that it takes money to grow, and the farm has to provide that income. <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">⛏️ Dig deeper: <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Read the Census of Agriculture</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Learn about ‘Trees of the Future’</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666609/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666609/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What: Join international author and tree researcher Henrik Sjöman and learn about the <a href="https://northwesthort.org/event/dendro-futura-the-trees-of-tomorrow-with-henrik-sjoman/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">benefits of mature trees in our urban environment</a>, why certain trees excel in specific functions and how to select trees for particular conditions. Why attend? As the climate changes, the importance of choosing trees for their resilience and other criteria becomes essential. Details: Event is Tuesday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Northwest Horticulture Society Hall, Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st St., Seattle, Washington. Cost is $30. <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">🌳 <a href="https://northwesthort.org/event/dendro-futura-the-trees-of-tomorrow-with-henrik-sjoman/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Register</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Does your nursery work with fundraising groups?</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666607/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666607/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Oregon Association of Nurseries office receives a number of inquiries from groups looking to partner with nurseries to raise money by selling plants. These can include flowers, wreaths, boughs, poinsettias and so on. To help these groups find partners, we have created a Nursery Guide category in the service listings called <a href="https://nurseryguide.com/Find_Supplies/Search?q=fundraisers" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Fundraisers (Plant Sales)</a>. Any inquiries we get, we will refer the caller to that category so they can see which nurseries are open to these partnerships. We don't wish to send these callers to other nurseries that have no known interest. If you would like to add your nursery to this list, please contact Tana Klum at 503-682-5089 or <a href="mailto:TKlum@OAN.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">TKlum@OAN.org</a>. All members have one free listing in Nursery Guide and if they aren't already using it, may use it for this category. Otherwise they would pay the fee. Listings start at $6.50 per year and can cost as little as $5 each depending on the quantity purchased. The more you buy, the more you save.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Entries sought for 2024 New Varieties Showcase at Farwest Show</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666608/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666608/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The 2024 Farwest Show is now <a href="https://farwestshow.com/new-varieties-showcase-submissions/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">accepting submissions of new plant introductions</a> for the upcoming New Varieties Showcase.The showcase is an annual highlight at Farwest, the biggest green industry trade show and conference in the West. The show is August 21–23 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Hip Labels is once again sponsoring the New Varieties Showcase for 2024. Why enter? “New breeding and new introductions drive consumer interest, improve garden performance and push the industry forward,” said Allan Niemi, director of events for the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “This trade show feature is a great opportunity for breeders and growers to reach and inspire more than 4,000 passionate retailers, brokers, garden writers, and industry leaders who browse the dazzling exhibit in search of the latest and the greatest new plant introductions.” For 2024, two tiers of entry are being offered:Tier 1 entries will be featured on <a href="https://farwestshow.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">FarwestShow.com</a> and displayed in the New Varieties Showcase on the floor with Hip Labels plant tag labels. Added-value incentives for Tier 1 entries include a layout in the July issue of Digger magazine ($750 value) and Hip Labels plant tag take-aways for attendees. Each Tier 1 submission costs $250. Submission deadline is April 12. Tier 2 entries will be featured online at <a href="https://farwestshow.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">FarwestShow.com</a> and displayed in the New Varieties Showcase on the floor with Hip Labels plant tag labels. Each Tier 2 submission costs $90. Submission deadline is June 28. Questions? Contact Jamie Moore at <a href="mailto:JMoore@OAN.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="email" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">JMoore@OAN.org</a> or 503-582-2010.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>OAN supports compromise campaign finance reform deal</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666605/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666605/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[An unlikely partnership of unions and businesses has come together to support a compromise campaign finance reform bill in the Oregon Legislature. Why this is happening: It gives both sides something they can live with. If it passes as expected, it would avoid an expensive, winner-take-all contest between dueling measures this fall. Details: <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Measures/Overview/HB4024" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">House Bill 4024</a> establishes contribution limits, updates what’s required of political committees, directs the state to modernize its online campaign finance filings and disclosures system and sets penalties for when the rules are broken. Details are <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/282612" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">here</a>. A summary of the differences between 4024 and a proposed initiative can be found <a href="https://www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr24/HB4024ContrastPoints.pdf" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">here</a> (PDF). Our take: “When a compromise is brokered between business and union voices, that compromise should be given weighty consideration,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “Leveling the playing field so no one interest group has a structural advantage in the election process is a good policy. There is a growing gap between haves and have not in campaign funding. The proposed union initiative would calcify that gap. And making policy by initiative often has all kinds of dire unintended consequences.” <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">⛏️ Dig deeper: <a href="https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.oan.org/resource/resmgr/gr24/CommentsH_4024campaignfinanc.pdf" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Stone’s written testimony</a> (PDF). Stone noted that OAN members represent varying viewpoints across the political spectrum and are always encouraged to participate in the process.]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Nurseries invited to participate in Virtual Ag Seminar</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666606/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666606/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is hosting a free, virtual event March 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time to provide guidance on federal labor rules pertaining to the agriculture industry. What’s covered? The <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusdolevents.webex.com%2Fweblink%2Fregister%2Fr3eaa0ce7c4f3e7f8b46bfa7b6edbcf98&data=05%7C02%7Cvpanichkul%40oan.org%7C31335f05e6224810edf108dc33e01164%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638442284732664044%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ddUa4%2FuzBPbgiYtkiLU7Mx3I7OHRKoe%2FhxXAJTuCLcM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">2024 Virtual Agricultural Seminar</a> will focus on labor topics affecting the agriculture industry, such as: <ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;"><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">H-2A visa program rules </li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Filing the H-2A petition and USCIS’s role in the H-2A process</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">US DOJ Immigration Employee Rights</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Fair Labor Standards Act requirements, and child labor rules </li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act requirements</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">OSHA field sanitation standards and worker’s safety</li><li style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">How to register as a farm labor contractor</li></ul> <p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve; background-color: #ffffff;">🖥️<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusdolevents.webex.com%2Fweblink%2Fregister%2Fr3eaa0ce7c4f3e7f8b46bfa7b6edbcf98&data=05%7C02%7Cvpanichkul%40oan.org%7C31335f05e6224810edf108dc33e01164%7C0808b23c81f84fa88d57b28429248c76%7C0%7C0%7C638442284732684544%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4zgxuefBOlRh5HLBXIShGX26rHqN7wwNg3hfn23lo0c%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">Register</a>]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>OAN continues push for ag equipment tax fairness</title>
<link>https://www.oan.org/news/666604/</link>
<guid>https://www.oan.org/news/666604/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Oregon Association of Nurseries continues to push for its priority bill in the 2024 short session of the Oregon Legislature. <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Downloads/ProposedAmendment/26129" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">House Bill 4111–2</a> would clarify how agricultural machinery and equipment are treated on property tax statements. The crux: Equipment is tax exempt when considered personal property but taxable when considered real property. Assessors treat the equipment inconsistently, so 4111 aims to fix it. The latest: The House Revenue Committee heard a further <a href="https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/mediaplayer?clientID=4879615486&eventID=2024021294&startStreamAt=1851&stopStreamAt=2710" target="_blank" data-link-type="web" style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #294b93; font-weight: bold;">update</a> Tuesday morning from state revenue economist Beau Olen. Olen addressed the potential risks to revenue. “We were interested in whether there were any detrimental impacts for counties or other districts,” he said. The biggest impacts: Those could be in dairy-heavy counties, due to the expense and sophistication of advanced dairy equipment. The five counties most impacted would be Marion, Morrow, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill, which have the most dairy production. Morrow County could have 1.6% of its budget impacted, followed by Tillamook with 0.2% impact. What’s next: OAN is hoping for a work session on the bill later this week to move it forward. The legislative session must end by March 10. “There’s time, but it’s not unlimited,” OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. “This bill restores the fairness that’s always been intended. We intend to keep pushing hard.”]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 5 Mar 2024 13:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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