Winter 2001
In This Issue
Full speed ahead for Oregon's top agricultural industry
Board of ag profile: Bernie Faber
Director's column: A look ahead to Oregon agriculture 2002
ODA now accepting applications for $3.2 million specialty crop grant funding program
Oregon farmers urged to plan now for new tax law
New pesticide use reporting law ready for implementation
Oregon shows slightly higher net farm income
2000-2001 Oregon Agriculture & Fisheries Statistics released
CREP: helping farmers help the environment
Sudden oak death eradication efforts underway
Then & Now: Oregon Mint
In the season of candy canes, it may come as a surprise to many Oregonians that the state is a major producer of mint. In fact, Oregon leads the U.S. in production of peppermint, growing nearly 35% of nation's total. While there is some spearmint grown in Oregon, peppermint is king and continues to provide flavoring to a number of consumer products.
While the total production of mint in Oregon has remained stable over the past few decades, where it is grown has generally shifted from the Willamette Valley to locations in Eastern Oregon
|
|
1991 |
1995 |
2000 |
| Linn County |
475,000 lbs.
|
570,000 lbs.
|
214,500 lbs.
|
| Marion County |
470,000 lbs.
|
360,000 lbs.
|
136,500 lbs.
|
| Lane County |
439,000 lbs.
|
461,000 lbs.
|
259,000 lbs.
|
| Union County |
78,000 lbs.
|
455,000 lbs.
|
521,200 lbs.
|
| Morrow County |
—
|
—
|
577,500 lbs.
|
Then
- Introduced to America by colonists in Massachusetts, mint was used primarily as a medicinal ingredient — making foul-tasting medicine palatable.
- In the early part of the century, U.S. mint production was concentrated in New York and the Midwest states of Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
- Oregon's mint production was concentrated in the Willamette Valley with as much as 30,000 acres of mint fields west of the Cascades.
- Mint from Oregon and other states became a staple for such popular consumer items as Wrigley's Gum and Colgate Tooth Paste.
- Oil extracted from the mint plant was virtually the only commercial use for the crop.
Now
- About 90% of U.S. mint oil is used for toothpaste, chewing gum, and other confectionery items. However, oil is being used in such new ways as in insect repellents and in aroma therapy.
- U.S. mint production has moved west over the years, now concentrated in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
- Mint production in Oregon has shifted to east of the Cascades as many wheat growing regions find a suitable new crop. Cost of production on the east side has been lower while Willamette Valley growers switch to higher value crops.
- While manufacturers like Wrigley's and Colgate are still utilizing Oregon mint, they are blending the flavor from local mint oil with oil from other growing regions, including imported mint from China, putting pressure on prices.
- Utilization of the entire mint plant is increasing. The mint leaf market is providing nutrient-laden material for composting while mint leaves are showing up as a salad garnish. Of course, the popularity of mint teas and chewing tobacco also make use of the leaves.
Commodity Commission Spotlight: Oregon Beef Council
Established: 1959
Address: 1200 NW Naito Parkway, Ste. 290
Portland, OR 97209
Telephone: 503-274-BEEF
Fax: 503/274-5405
Email: dianne@orbeef.org
Web: www.orbeef.org
Chair: Louise Grothe, Lakeview, OR
Board: 3 producers, 1 feeder, 1 handler,
2 dairy representatives
Administrator: Dianne Byrne Johnston,
Executive Director
Staff Size: 3
01-02 Budget: $570,575
Assessment: $1 per head ($.50 for national programs, $.50 for state programs)
Highlighting Achievements:
- Advertising – "Beef. It's What's For Dinner." advertisements are developed and placed nationally. They carry a nutrition and convenience message to the target audience of women age 24-54. Image TV commercials with an environmental message featuring Oregon ranching families have been run for three years primarily in the Portland metro area. The OBC is a radio sponsor of OSU Beaver football games and does an on-site promotion at the annual Oregon State Beef Bowl game.
- Retail – "Beef Made Easy" point of purchase labeling at the retail meat case helps consumers make better purchasing and preparation decisions. The Council continues the tradition of supplying Oregon grocery stores with beef promotional materials.
- Food Service – Partnerships with both national chains and Oregon based restaurants have resulted in numerous new beef items being featured on menus. Other Oregon restaurants have been reached through restaurant distributor events including annual food service trade shows, training seminars, and weekly sales events.
- Youth Education – Teaching kits are distributed annually at teachers resource fairs. The OBC coordinates volunteers from OSU Animal Sciences and Oregon Cattlewomen for an in-school presentation to Portland metro area students.
- Consumer Public Relations – Recipes and photos are sent monthly to the state's food writers. Cooking ideas and information are distributed at consumer shows such as the State Fair and Women's Show.
- Diet/Health – The Beef Council exhibits and sponsors speakers at nutritional events such as the Oregon Heart Association's Heart Walk, Oregon Dietetic Association Convention and Women's Health Conference.
- Beef Industry Website – An average of 2,600 users visited the industry website, www.orbeef.org, each month. Consistently, the "Discover Beef Tri-Tip" recipes were the most viewed pages on the site drawing people from all over the world to request a copy of the brochure.
- National Investments – The OBC purchases one seat on the board of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
- International Investments – The Beef Council works with the Oregon Department of Agriculture by sending representatives on trade missions as appropriate. The OBC also purchases one seat on the board of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.