Director's Corner

As another National Agriculture Week has come and gone, many of us spent some time reflecting on the importance of this great industry to our state. And recently, there is much to contemplate.

By the numbers, this last year was pretty tough for agriculture in Oregon. In fact, we had the lowest net farm income since 1983. So it is obvious that a number of industry sectors are experiencing some pretty significant economic challenges.

Still, there are and always will be a great deal of positives that go with the industry. Agriculture in Oregon, whether it is doing well or poorly, still accounts for a tremendous amount of economic activity—responsible for about 8% of the state's employment and as much as 12% of the gross state product when you factor in ag related activities. It is also extremely important, in my view, to the livability of our state.

Most of the challenging issues facing our agriculture industry in Oregon are issues facing agriculture all across the nation and, in many cases, are international in scope. In my view, our national policy makers need to pay careful attention in the year ahead to how we craft agricultural policy for the future. I've been involved in that effort with our National Association of State Departments of Agriculture organization and we think some good proposals will come forward for the next U.S. Farm Bill.

Some of the things I think we'll see under consideration include how we provide real cost of production safety nets for farmers and ranchers—good cost of production insurance that is usable by farmers and ranchers all across the spectrum. We may see some strong counter cyclical price support proposals and proposals for continued reform of our tax system so that agriculture doesn't face gigantic penalties when it attempts to pass on the family farm from one generation to the next.

Additionally, I think we need to pay careful attention to the trade agreements we have with other countries around the world. Certainly aggressive enforcement of the provisions of those trade agreements by the new administration will be critical to agriculture's success in the global marketplace.

Just a few weeks ago, a brigade of tractors descended upon the State Capitol to call attention to the plight of agriculture. Oregon farmers and ranchers sent a clear message to Oregon consumers that they ought to buy Oregon agricultural and food products first. I absolutely concur with that. We grow some of the highest quality, most desirable food products in the world right here in Oregon. We ought to be buying them and consuming them here at home.

Every week of 2001, not just during National Agriculture Week, I hope we can all take a minute to remember how important this industry is to the nature and character of the state. It's not just important to those farm and ranch families that make their full time living producing food and fiber, but to all the rest of us who reap the benefits of a strong agriculture in Oregon. The economic benefits are always significant. But there are also benefits of having a state whose unique character and livability is so closely tied to the agriculture industry.

Think about that the next time you are grocery shopping or driving by a local farm.

Phillip C. Ward

ODA Director

ODA Names New Assistant Director

Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Phil Ward has announced the promotion of Lisa Charpilloz Hanson to the position of assistant director. Hanson, who has been on maternity leave, will return to ODA in her new capacity in April.

"We are delighted to have Lisa join our executive management team," says Ward. "Her experience with the agency and her time spent in the private sector will serve us well as we meet the challenges ahead. Lisa is very well respected both within the agency and throughout the industry."

Hanson has served as administrator of ODA's Commodity Inspection Division since 1998. Hanson came to ODA in 1996 as manager of ODA's Commodity Commission Program. Prior to that, she served seven years as a field representative with Green Giant/Pillsbury in Pasco, Washington.

In her new position, Hanson will oversee the department's food safety and consumer protection policy area.

Hanson is a native Oregonian and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics. She and her husband Alan live in the Woodburn area and recently welcomed their first child, Ellie.

ODA Names Gardner Industry Development Manager

Jerry Gardner has come back to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Gardner, who served as an international trade specialist with ODA from 1984 to 1988, has been named the agency's new industry development manager. Gardner began his new job in March. Gardner has also worked in marketing and business development positions for Oregon State University and the Oregon Economic Development Department. He most recently managed inmate work programs at the Oregon Corrections Department.

The industry development manager is an integral part of the Agricultural Development and Marketing Division's (ADMD) efforts to develop Oregon's agricultural sector. This position works cooperatively with other divisions within the ODA as well as with other state agencies to promote the development of existing value-added agricultural operations.

Advocacy on behalf of value-added agricultural processing is a key part of this job. This may mean assisting an existing company that is struggling to sustain its operations or working with local officials to expand a profitable company into new product areas. In addition to assisting with the retention and expansion of existing companies this position also works to attract new capital investment into Oregon for plants that work to add value to agricultural products.

Jerry Gardner has wasted no time delving into the job and becoming a visible presence on behalf of ODA in the effort to help Oregon agricultural companies.