Quarterly News and Updates

Our rapid response team monitors issues throughout the Oregon Legislative Session and is prepared to respond promptly as needed to urgent matters as they arise:

What: Some 26 OAN members completed the first OAN Advocacy Training of the year on Tuesday, January 23. They learned how the legislative process works and practiced the art of giving effective and influential testimony on issues that matter to the nursery and greenhouse industry. The key is to learn not just to express what is right, but how to deliver the message effectively.

Reviews: Jim Westwood, trainer: “Our group of advocates excelled in speaking out on behalf of the nursery industry. I was impressed with what Oregon growers bring to the table. You don’t see it in most industries.”

Annette Price, Portland General Electric, trainer: “The OAN is bolstering an army of well-spoken advocates through this well considered, well organized approach. This industry has built a reputation as being moderate and solution oriented, and this will only add to it. The OAN is building something special here."

The OAN Government Relations Committee and Advocacy Team will regularly host legislators and other state leaders for tours at nurseries and other related businesses, to give them the real picture of what happens day to day on an Oregon nursery. They can discover the challenges facing nursery owners and workers, as well as how legislation can have a helpful or not-so-helpful effect.

In the fall, OAN member Jonathan Jasinski led a tour of elected officials and staff on a tour of Microplant Nurseries. The propagation nursery was founded by Gail Suttle and serves growers from all over the world.

Six legislative offices and representatives from Oregon State University and Oregon Department of Agriculture took part, including Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville), Rep. Anna Scharf (R-Independence), Rep Mark Gamba (D-Milwaukie), Rep. James Hieb (R-Canby), and representatives from the offices of Rep. Julie Fahey (D-Portland) and Sen. Aaron Woods (D-Wilsonville). These guests learned about the growth of Microplant Nurseries, its process of production, and their place in the nursery and greenhouse industry eco-system.

If you would like to host a nursery tour, contact Jeff Stone at 503-682-5089 or JStone@OAN.org.

Legislators arriving for the 2024 session this morning were greeted with plants on their desks and flowers on the Oregon House dais, provided by Al's Garden & Home, and Oregon Flowers Inc. "The annual tradition of providing these flowers helps highlight the work of Oregon nurseries and greenhouses, and provides the industry with positive exposure," OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. "It's part of the bridge building on the part of OAN and its members to keep lines of communication open." Thanks to Al's and to Oregon Flowers!

• 2976 Bills Introduced
• 653 Passed
• 341 Tracked by OAN
• 15 Times Testified

Top 5 issues:

• Senate Bill 498 – Estate Tax Exemption. $15 million exemption to preserve the family farm
• Senate Bill 132 – Extension of the Farmworker Housing Tax Credit
• House Bill 2610 – Support for Oregon State University IR-4 Funding
• House Bill 3016 – Green Infrastructure “Trees Act” – worked with environmental justice organizations to support tree canopies and carbon sequestration in urban areas
• Support for adequate funding for the Oregon Department Agriculture, Nursery Program and Oregon State University Extension

House Bill 4111 would eliminate confusion for county tax assessors and farmers.

What it does: Removes the distinction between real and personal tangible property for exempting farm equipment from property taxes, making all farm machinery tax exempt. Chief sponsors are State Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Crater Lake) and State Sen. Lynn Findley (R-Vale).

Our position: Support. See our position paper.

Why: Currently you can get different answers as to what’s taxable depending on which tax assessor you talk to, even in the same county. It can vary based on whether the equipment is mobile or fixed in place. Certain equipment like a potting machine can be stationed either way. The lack of clarity poses difficulties for everyone involved.

Next hearing: Hearing anticipated to be on February 14, 2024 in the House Revenue Committee

In light of recent storms, the OAN is renewing a call for the federal government to modify agricultural disaster assistance so that it meets the need of specialty crops as well, including the nursery and greenhouse industry. 

Action: Ask the House Agricultural Committee for help

Our position: Support

These issues are just the beginning of what we are monitoring and pursuing. Download the complete 2024 OAN State and Federal Legislative Agenda (PDF)

What issues make a difference to your business and your bottom line? Contact Jeff Stone (email) or Chris Robinson (email) and tell us about it.

Our Government Relations Committee meets regularly for issue updates, and visits with elected officials and decision makers. Members are welcome to attend the meetings and/or join the committee, which is chaired by Chris Robinson, Robinson Nursery.

Wednesday, February 14, 11:30 a.m. — Oregon Business & Industry, 1149 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 and the Oregon State Capitol 900 Court Street, SE (entry on State Street) Invited guest: Gov. Tina Kotek

Wednesday, April 10, 8 a.m. — OAN office, Wilsonville

Invited guest: U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Oregon 6th)

Wednesday, June 12, 8 a.m. — Location at a nursery TBA

Invited guest: U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Oregon 5th)

Thursday, August 22, 8 a.m. — Farwest Show, Oregon Convention Center, Portland

Invited guest: U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon

Wednesday, November 13, 8 a.m. — OAN office, Wilsonville

Invited guest: TBA

The next OAN Advocacy Training opportunity will be held in May and will focus on the issue of agricultural overtime. We encourage members to join the team and get involved on behalf of the industry.

Every Oregon voter has one state senator and one state representative based on where they live. Who represents you? Enter your address to discover who they are and their contact information.

Your member of the U.S. House of Representatives also will be listed. Oregon’s two U.S. Senators represent the entire state. They are Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, both Democrats.

It’s often helpful to write your legislator, or key committee chairs, when a bill is going through committee or coming up for a vote. We will send an OAN Action Alert when an issue has become important and when your input is most vital and impactful.

When writing to your legislator, it’s key to keep it brief and respectful.

1. Salutation. Name the legislator or relevant committee chairs.
2. Introduction. Start by saying who you are and which business you represent, as well as where it is based.
3. Topic. State which bill you are writing about. Indicate what it does.
4. Impact. Give a personal story reinforcing why the committee should support or oppose the bill. Keep it to a few paragraphs. Definitely not more than a single page, single-spaced.
5. Closing. Give an appropriate closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name, job title and the name of your business.

Our robust government relations and lobbying effort is just one of the benefits of OAN membership. All of the benefits are listed here. 

The bottom line is that OAN Membership saves you money and helps you grow your business and this wonderful industry we all share.