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OAN goes to Washington, D.C.

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I traveled to Washington, D.C. along with our OAN executive director, Jeff Stone, and the chairwoman of our Government Relations Committee, Leigh Geschwill of F & B Farms & Nursery. We were there to represent the Oregon Association of Nurseries, and to lobby for the needs and priorities of Oregon’s nursery industry. This was my […]

Elections have consequences

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I am privileged and honored to serve an Oregon nursery industry that is hardworking, honest and committed to excellence. Our association sets an example for others around the country on how to approach turbulent issues, such as the environment, education and workforce development. We stake out moderate views on taxation and employer regulations. We are […]

Celebrating Mom

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During the month of May, I usually write about our industry’s labor needs. Normally, I express my dismay that Congress is kicking the immigration reform can down the road yet again. But on a personal level, it’s really Mother’s Day that defines the month of May for me. Mothers play a central role in molding […]

Crossover and compromise

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Oregon is blessed with agricultural lands that produce more than 225 different commodities. The production types run the gamut from organic to conventional, and the work required to cultivate these crops varies in intensity. Oregon farmers have even introduced crops that traditionally have not been present in the fertile Willamette Valley. “Coexistence” is a term […]

February 2019

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As some nurseries begin building relationships with gardening groups, columnist Mike Darcy shares what many homeowners have planned for their yards this season. Growers also consider how recent tariffs are impacting Oregon’s nursery industry, or how to use grapes in their production line. In this issue: Garden clubs: Cultivating buzz: Growers benefit by building relationships with […]

Oregon Association of Nurseries recognizes Friends of Nurseries

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The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) has recognized four people and one coalition with Friends of Nurseries awards. “The OAN gives these awards annually to recognize officials and others from outside our industry who are solution oriented, who consider the nursery and greenhouse point of view, and who act as a partner, regardless of party […]

A homegrown connection for the holidays

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Every household has a holiday tradition, as does every culture. In Mexico, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12) is a public holiday. It is a Catholic feast to celebrate the belief that a man encountered the Virgin Mary, Mexico’s patron saint, in Mexico City on December 9 and 12, 1531. St. Lucia Day, […]

No sanctuary from anger

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As the fall campaign season ramps up during September, voters will be learning more about the candidates running for various leadership positions. U.S. Congress, the Oregon Legislature, county commissioners, city councils —  they’ll all be on the ballot. Oregon also has a long history of citizen initiatives. In the past, voters have had the opportunity […]

Don’t sleep on the WPS

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During the administration of Barack Obama, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expanded the rules for agricultural operations to protect workers from pesticide exposure. These rules make up the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). With a new administration, the same rules apply. While not passed by Congress, these rules are very real and the nursery and greenhouse […]