Oregon’s junior U.S. senator, Jeff Merkley, paid a visit to the Farwest Show in Portland today. First he chatted with the OAN Government Affairs Committee about such important matters as the economic recovery, the availability of loan capital for businesses, the upcoming Farm Bill and pest and disease regulatory issues. Then he visited with show exhibitors such as Supreme Perlite, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. and Simnitt Nursery. (He learned that Trees are the Answer, as well as how perlite is made.) He even took a peek at the New Varieties Showcase, personally experiencing the enormous variety of new plant introductions (51 to be exact!) featured at this year’s Farwest Show.

“His visit demonstrates OAN’s strong relationships with both sides of the aisle,” OAN Director of Government Relations Patrick Capper said. “Because of these kinds of visits, Sen. Merkley has gained a clear understanding of the important role that nurseries play in the agricultural community and the overall Oregon economy.”