Oregonians face numerous environmental problems. At the same time, Oregon s agricultural community faces unprecedented economic challenges. Commodity prices continue to plummet while production costs increase.
Pressure grows to consolidate toward larger farms or sell out to suburban developers.
Family-held farms are, literally, another of Oregon s endangered species. Oregon has a long tradition of innovative solutions to difficult problems. There is a stalemate between Oregon s agricultural and conservation communities. Oregon s agricultural industry and our environment are both suffering as a result. The tensions between us are compounded by our lack of ongoing dialogue.