Salem-News.com Agriculture articles Page 34

Research Grants Help Address Nursery Industry Problems

Awards for 2008 have recently been announced.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon's nursery industry is approaching a billion dollars in production value, making it easily the state's top agricultural commodity. But nursery growers are not without challenges, ranging from pests and diseases to reducing input costs.

That's why the industry values research to the point of literally taxing itself so that scientists can help. Part of the fees collected by the Oregon Department of Agriculture for nursery licenses goes to support a nursery research grant program that annually awards funds to worthy projects.

New State Publication for Outdoor Use Identifies Weeds of Concern

Noxious weed field guide gives ODA more surveillance.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Agriculture's Weed Control Program just doesn't have enough eyes to find every invasive noxious weed that might be setting roots in the state.

However, with so many Oregonians enjoying the great outdoors, help may be on the way in detecting unwanted weed species early before they become well established. ODA has published a handy loose-leaf field guide that outdoor workers and enthusiasts can carry with them to help identify key invasive plants.

First Year of Pesticide Use Reporting Drawing to a Close

Oregon's Pesticide Use Reporting System is unique in the United States, no other state or federal agency has this level of reporting taking place.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The first year of Oregon's landmark Pesticide Use Reporting System, "PURS" has drawn to a close, but pesticide users have until the end of the month to report their 2007 usage. Meanwhile, it will most likely be July 2008 before the general public sees a summarized report on pesticide use in Oregon.

Although detailed information is being electronically collected, the law that created PURS protects confidentiality of individual users and requires that the data be summarized in the statewide report prepared by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Oregon Blueberry Harvest Projected to Set New Records

Consumer demand for blueberries has exploded in recent years due in part to widely reported scientific research about the health benefits of consuming this dark blue fruit.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Oregon blueberry growers have a lot to smile about these days, according to an Oregon State University Extension Service berry crops expert.

Medical Marijuana Doctor Discusses Viewer`s Questions (VIDEO)

This is segment 9 in our ongoing question and answer video segments with Salem-News.com's Bonnie King and Oregon's leading expert in medical marijuana, Dr. Phil Leveque.

(SALEM, Ore.) - In this video segment Dr. Leveque discuss a number of questions sent in by our viewers via email and comments left on the actual stories.

One man wants to know what a person has to go through in order to become a medical marijuana "caregiver." Leveque says a person can be a caregiver under Oregon State Law if a patient lists them that way. Every patient is entitled to a caregiver, and the person can then transport marijuana legally and grow it on behalf of the patient.

Oregon Agriculture Revenue Drops 9.6 Percent in 2006

Gross income is at an all-time high, but expenses are increasing at a greater rate.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A newly released economic snapshot of Oregon agriculture is a mixed bag of good news and bad news.

On the positive side, farmers and ranchers last year collectively recorded the highest gross income mark in the state's history at more than $4.8 billion. On the down side, operating expenses have also never been higher, and actually outstripped the gains made in production value and sales.

Oregon Rose Among All-America Rose Selections

Group celebrates 70th Anniversary With Two Winning Roses for 2008 Season, one is from Medford.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - Gold. It's the color of success, sunshine and is associated with feelings of joy, intelligence and energy. As a rose color, it's known for friendship, delight and the promise of a new beginning. For 2008, All-America Rose Selections celebrates those sentiments with the introduction of its 2008 Winners: "Dream Come True" and "Mardi Gras," at this year's Garden Writers Association Symposium in Oklahoma City.

One of the winners, "Mardi Gras," was hybridized by Keith Zary and is introduced by Jackson & Perkins Wholesale, Inc. of Medford, Oregon.

Exports and Value-Added Agriculture Working in Oregon

Exporting and adding value to agriculture remains a key strategy for Oregon's economy.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A national forecast on agricultural exports and an Oregon report on value-added agriculture both shed light on two important trends for one of the state's leading industries.

Simply stated, state agriculture officials say, U.S. ag exports are expected to eclipse previous record highs while the percentage of crops and livestock in Oregon that receive value-added processing is also on the rise. Both developments are very much related when it comes to a state like Oregon, where 40 percent of agricultural production goes to the international marketplace.

Willie Nelson to Anoint Super-Sizing of Oregon Biodiesel Plant

Portland biodiesel mandate drives production expansion.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Entertainer Willie Nelson will help Oregon's first commercial biodiesel plant celebrate its two-year anniversary in a big way, headlining a press conference and ground-breaking of the plant's expansion.

Oregon Blueberry Production Going Sky High

Heavy consumer demand increases prices and acreage.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Consumers want them, Oregon growers are providing them.