2020 rules under Trump remain in effect as the EPA works to overhaul discharge permitting process Section 401 of the Clean Water Act provides that a federal agency may not issue a permit or license to conduct any activity that could result in a discharge into waters of the United States unless a Section 401 […]
Pushing back on the unworkable
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Worker safety is critical, and nursery and greenhouse operations make it a priority. Our industry has learned a lot from the dynamic and harsh weather events of the past year. But Oregon agriculture has been put back on its heels by a new set of heat and smoke rules, created under pressure from labor and […]
The greatest privilege of a lifetime
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When the month of June rolls along, there is one day that stands out: Father’s Day. I am one of the fortunate sons who had a caring father. He drives me nuts, but he is mine. In the nursery and greenhouse industry, I see many fathers who should be the leading example to a nation. […]
Show your primary colors by voting
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Going back years, most of my Director’s Desk columns have focused on the evergreen topic of nursery and greenhouse labor — or more precisely, the lack thereof. Every year, the U.S. Congress proves its consistent, even surgical failure to put politics aside and pass a sensible and sustainable immigration visa system. Agriculture needs it, but […]
Meet the Leader: Rod Park
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OwnerPark’s NurseryOAN member since 1986 OAN roles/positions:• Young Nursery Person of the Year (1986)• OAN President (1991)• Political Awareness Award (1996)• Pacific Coast Nurseryman Outstanding Service Award (1998)• Clayton W. Hannon Distinguished Service Award (2006)• Honorary Lifetime Membership (2019) Service positions on the OANAwards, Convention, Finance, Government Relations, Nominating, and ONPAC committees Tell us about […]
Smoldering ashes at the Capitol
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There is an old black and white photo in the Oregon State Capitol café, located in the basement of the building, and it has always spoken to me. Located off in a non-descript place near dining tables along the wall, it shows the old capitol building engulfed in flames. I can almost feel the heat […]
Blind spots
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I recently had the opportunity to get involved in a discussion with other nursery industry professionals about blind spots. It was an eye-opening experience and helped me better appreciate all the things that our great community does. What is a blind spot? I don’t mean the part of your car that blocks your view of […]
Understanding the new climate rules
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Oregon’s new climate protection program is expected to increase certain business costs On December 16, 2021, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) voted to approve the Climate Protection Program (CPP). The CPP, codified in Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 340, Division 271, joins other Oregon climate-focused rules, including the Clean Trucks Program and Clean Fuels Program. […]
One can’t be green without the green industry
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The nursery and greenhouse industry knows a simple truth. And that truth is: what the green industry grows and ships throughout the country and world is a benefit to the climate. It is as real as the promise of buds in spring and the trucks waiting to be loaded with product. You can imagine the […]
Ag overtime should not pit owner versus worker
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As Oregonians, we have a long and storied tradition of political compromise. I believe that any policy debate should include a range of perspectives. This discussion can lead to mutually satisfactory solutions. That’s why the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) is disappointed with ongoing efforts by PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste), the farmworkers […]
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