The following public comments were made to the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, January 22, 2025. Please use the timestamps below for quick reference.
1. Support for House Bill 2166 • 0:00:24
Angela Bailey emphasized the importance of House Bill 2166 for assessing challenges in Oregon agriculture.
The bill aims to provide data for decision-making to help Oregon farmers compete in a global market.
2. Challenges in Oregon Agriculture • 0:01:52
Oregon's agricultural sector faces significant regulatory burdens that threaten its viability, including high labor costs and complex compliance requirements.
Mike McCarthy highlighted the overwhelming challenges for family farms, including labor shortages and increasing operational costs.
3. Urgency for Legislative Support • 0:10:06
Ryan Krabill stressed the urgency of supporting House Bill 2166, citing the loss of over 2,000 farms in Oregon since the last census.
He shared a moving story from a small organic farm facing financial difficulties due to fires and regulatory challenges, underscoring the need for legislative action.
4. Next Steps and Fiscal Considerations • 0:13:40
The committee expressed a desire to move forward with House Bill 2166 and acknowledged the emotional toll on farmers facing tough decisions.
Comments