Digger contributor John Schmitz passes away

John Schmitz

We are saddened to report that frequent Digger magazine freelance contributor John Schmitz passed away suddenly of natural causes on April 16, 2013. He was 71.

Mr. Schmitz grew up in Salem, earned a degree in food science from Oregon State University, and then served two years in the Army, including a stint in Vietnam. Upon his return home, he earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. He worked in advertising and in journalism, and in the 1970s also authored a nationally syndicated comic strip with his sister for three years.

For the last four decades, he worked as a freelance advertising and feature writer. His work appeared in Digger, the Capital Press and other publications. His most recent article for us, on grow bags, appeared in the May issue.

The staff of Digger will miss John's contributions to the magazine as well as his quick wit. At his request, no services were held. A full obituary appeared in the Statesman Journal (Salem, Ore.) as well as online.

Proposed federal immigration bill amendments number in the hundreds

Members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee started the process this week of considering amendments to the comprehensive immigration reform bill proposed by the "Gang of Eight" senators (consisting of four Republicans and four Democrats). More than 300 proposed amendments were filed, including 77 by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) alone. Comprehensive immigration reform, as defined by most, has three key components — securing the border, providing for a future flow of workers, and settling permanent status for those already in the country. While the authors of the bill believe it is plenty robust in terms of border security, many of the amendments focused on making it more so. Bill supporters are concerned that many of the amendments are aimed at sabotaging the bill, but the core group behind it remains confident it can keep the 844-page bill on track and free of poison pills.

Driver's card opponents seek referendum

To the surprise of few observers, the anti-immigration group Oregonians for Immigration Reform has started a petition drive to undo recently passed Senate Bill 833. If successful, they would deny undocumented residents their recently-won ability to get tested and hold an Oregon driver's card if they qualify. Two Oregon legislators have signed on as sponsors of the referendum — Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) and Rep. Sal Esquivel (R-Medford). The other sponsor is OFIR member Richard LaMountain. Both Thatcher and Esquivel voted against the driver's card bill, but it passed nonetheless in both chambers of the Oregon Legislature, with large, bipartisan majorities in support. Gov. John Kitzhaber signed the bill May 1 on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol. To force a public vote on the bill, referendum backers will need 58,142 valid signatures from registered voters between now and 90 days after the current legislative session ends.

High fructose corn syrup may harm honeybees

What is causing honeybee colony collapse disorder? Scientists have been trying to find the answer to that question. A new study suggests that feeding high fructose corn syrup to honeybees might compromise their immune systems and diminish their ability to fight off toxins. Earlier studies, done decades ago, had suggested that feeding these pollinators corn syrup in commercial orchards was harmless, but researchers now question that.

Kitzhaber signs driver's card bill

Gov. John Kitzhaber, with supporters including Jeff Stone of OAN (left) looking on, celebrates after signing SB 833B.

With more than 2,000 people looking on in celebration, Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber signed SB 833B today at a midday rally on the front steps of the Oregon Capitol. The bill directs the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles to create a new driver's card that is good for four years.

As with a regular, eight-year driver's license, the applicants will have to pass all required tests, prove their identity, and demonstrate that they live in Oregon. However, they will not be required to prove legal residency in the United States. The new card will be available by Jan. 1, 2014.

"So many people helped make this bill possible, with Legislative leaders from both parties working with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, representatives of law enforcement agencies, business, the insurance industry, faith communities, and farm labor and community advocates," the governor said before signing the bill. "Their collaboration resulted in a bipartisan, commonsense solution — one that supports individuals, businesses, and Oregonians while improving public safety.

"My thanks to Sen. Thomsen, Sen. Shields, and all eight sponsors for introducing this bill. This bill is also motivated by a larger vision — one where all Oregonians deserve and get their shot at the American dream. One where we are committed in our policymaking and in our daily lives to equity and opportunity for all. Where we’re creating secure jobs with upward income mobility, and supporting safe, secure communities where people have a sense of common purpose and commitment to one another."

The Statesman-Journal newspaper (Salem, Ore.) has posted a video of the governor's remarks here.

Supporters of the bill, including the Oregon Association of Nurseries, argued that granting these driver's cards is a matter of public safety. Drivers unable to qualify for the regular license will be able to come forward to be identified, take tests, and prove that they know the rules of the road.

They drew a distinction between safe roads, which are the state's responsibility, and immigration status, which ties to national citizenship and is therefore a federal matter. Legislators from both parties largely agreed, passing the bill 20-7 in the Senate and 38-20 in the House.

Jeff Stone, executive director of OAN, told the crowd the bill came together due to a strong coalition. "What makes this day so special to me is that we had people of faith, law enforcement, farm labor, unions, community leaders and business all come together," he said. "That is the historic part of this happy occasion. Thank you governor for pulling us together to help craft the public policy and having faith in us to create the strategy to get it done."

Stone added that Oregon's accomplishment in passing this bill should serve as an example for the United States Congress, which is expected to consider comprehensive immigration reform soon. The term "comprehensive immigration reform" is generally defined as a balanced bill that provides added border security, allows for a sufficient workforce for industries that need it, and lays out a path to permanent status for undocumented people already in the country, up to a certain cutoff date.

"I have a message for Congress and the president," Stone said. "Look at how we passed this legislation and the coalition that spans political boundaries. Stop talking and start acting. Pass comprehensive immigration reform!"

House approves driver's card bill; Kitzhaber to sign tomorrow

The Oregon House of Representatives today approved SB 833B, the driver's card bill, on a 38-20 vote. The Senate passed the bill earlier. Gov. John Kitzhaber announced on Twitter he will sign the bill on the Capitol steps tomorrow (May 1, 2013) as part of May Day festivities. The signing ceremony and rally will begin at 11:30 a.m.

“Senate Bill 833 is motivated by vision that all Oregonians deserve their shot at the American dream," Kitzhaber said in a press release. "This bill helps create secure jobs with upward income mobility, and supports safe, secure communities where people have a sense of common purpose and commitment to one another.”

The bill marks a significant victory for employers and workers in Oregon agriculture. It will allow people to get a four-year driver's card without having to prove legal presence in the country. They will still have to prove their identity and pass all the same tests required of licensed drivers.

The OAN played a leading role in the crafting of the legislation. It participated in a task force the governor convened. This group had strong representation from business, labor, the faith community, cultural groups, and law enforcement. The bill had strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.

"It's remarkable that so many groups who don't always work together could find common ground on a controversial issue," OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. "It is a testament to the focus we had. We made sure the bill was narrowly written so it would only address the issue of unlicensed, untested drivers, and I feel we succeeded. It's a big win for all involved."

Before approving the bill, the House debated for more than an hour. Leading supporters of the bill included Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Hood River), Rep. Jessica Vega-Pederson (D-Portalnd), Rep. Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) and Rep. Chris Harker (D-Beaverton).

"Senate Bill 833 is a common sense measure that helps Oregon residents follow the law," Harker said.

"It's about making sure that Oregon's roads are safer," Vega-Pedersen said. "Whether it's a mother driving her kids to school or a father driving to the grocery store, we have a responsibility to make sure our roads are safe, and we have a stake in making sure all drivers are tested and legally licensed."

"It encourages a way into the daylight for honest workers, for safer highways," Gilliam said. "And in my view, it leverages some of the good guys to get better. It's time to reach out to individuals that want to right a wrong, to become stand up citizens."

Willamette Chapter’s annual Plant Sale benefits horticultural students, housing charity

The Willamette Chapter’s annual Plant Sale, which took place April 27–28 at Oregon Ag Fest in Salem, Ore., was deemed a “success” by organizer Val Tancredi of Stettler Supply Company in Salem.

“Everybody went home with something green,” Tancredi said — not just referring to those who bought plants. Money raised by the sale helps support the Willamette Chapter’s educational scholarship fund, which benefits agricultural organizations such as Future Farmers of America, Chemekata Community College, and the chapter’s scholarship through the OAN Foundation.

Tancredi estimated about 20 member growers donated plants. “We got a lot of color this year — azaleas and rhodies in bloom, which always sell well. We also ordered 35 flowering baskets through Chemeketa Community College’s two-year horticultural program,” which trains entry-level nursery workers.

Over the past four years, the Willamette Chapter has donated in excess of $12,000 toward renovation expenses of Chemeketa’s aging greenhouses. Gail Gredler, horticultural instructor at Chemeketa, said the most recent donation of $5,000 will be used this summer for installing an automatic sprinkler system. “Up until now we have been hand-watering the 3,000-square-foot greenhouse and hoop house, which you can imagine is quite a chore,” Gredler said.

Students from the Future Farmers of America's Gervais High School Chapter assisted at the Willamette Chapter's annual Plant Sale.

Also benefiting from the event were several students from the Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) Gervais High School Chapter, who volunteered their time at the event and got experience in the presentation and sale of plant materials. “It’s great exposure for them to the horticultural industry,” Tancredi said, noting that funds donated to FFA are applied toward the purchase of pruning shears, benches, irrigation systems and other horticultural tools.

The gifts kept on giving, as unsold plant materials — many of the less showy plants, such as arbor vitae, junipers, green shrubs and bushes — were donated to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Portland, which helps build affordable housing in the Portland/Vancouver area.

House to vote Tuesday on driver card bill

The Oregon House of Representatives will vote Tuesday on Senate Bill 833B, which would create a four-year driver's card for residents who can prove their identity but don't have all the documents needed for a full, eight-year driver's license. The bill passed the state Senate earlier on a 20-7 vote. If the House approves, too, then it will head to Gov. John Kitzhaber's desk for his signature. He supports the bill and has indicated he will sign it.

May Digger arrives in mailboxes

The May issue of Digger has been mailed to subscribers, and the cover story this month is on plants with a stunning silvery look (PDF). From agaves to Japanese painted ferns, plants with silver hues not only make a striking impression in the landscape, their color also often represents survival tactics such as drought tolerance and pest resistance. Click here for info on other stories in the issue.

Other stories in this issue include:

• A profile of industry leader/Salem grower Robert van Klaveren (PDF),
• Market research shows developing resources — from videos to online forums — can add value (PDF) that will keep your customers coming back,
• An assessment of grow bags, (PDF) which proponents say offer better root growth and healthier transplants, and
• And, an in-depth look at plants for pollinators (PDF).

You can also read this month's flipbook edition of Digger (Flash required; fast connection recommended). Please send your comments on the issue to editor Curt Kipp at ckipp@oan.org.

Wyden mentions Oregon growers in Senate testimony

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) gave the OAN and its members prominent mention last week while testifying against <A href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:SN743:" target="_blank">S.873</a>, which would require retailers to collect sales taxes for remote jurisdictions in a greater number of instances. Wyden said it would effectively create an Internet transaction tax. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) also testified against the bill. 

“Sen. Merkley and I are very proud of our Oregon nurseries,” Wyden said. “They produce extraordinarily high-quality products. … Oregon growers are far away from their markets, and we need to look to knock down barriers to sales of green goods.” Wyden’s full testimony can be viewed below; the portion mentioning Oregon growers begins around the 2 minute, 20 second mark.

Although the bill would exempt businesses with retail sales of less than $1 million annually, the OAN is concerned it could open a dangerous door if passed. The Senate voted 63–30 to close debate on the bill, a likely indication it will pass the Senate and next be considered in the House of Representatives.