The Act is a costly mandate on Oregon family farms. The bill would authorize state government to issue heavy fines and penalties against farmers who they deem to be “overapplying” fertilizers.

Requires persons with ownership interests in at least 200 acres of irrigated land used for agriculture to annually report information about fertilizer application to the State Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the department and the Department of Environmental Quality to take certain actions related to the information. Directs the State Department of Agriculture to report on the information to committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to agriculture on or before September 15 of each odd-numbered year. Authorizes the imposition of civil penalties for a violation.

SB 747 makes family farmers out to be “boogeymen,” relying on assumptions instead of engaging producers and experts in a dialogue about the agricultural practices in question. The bill assumes that farm and ranch families haphazardly apply inputs to their land with no understanding of agronomics. In actuality, production-scale agriculture is sophisticated; it has to be because margins in this industry are so thin. Fertilizer application is a science, guided by research, soil testing, consultation with agronomists, and careful management. All of these steps are taken to maximize yields and minimize inputs, ensuring the sustainability of the farm and landscape for the next generation.

·         This act is a costly mandate on Oregon family farms

·         This act issues heavy fines and penalties against farmers

·         Makes family farmers out to be “boogeymen,” relying on assumptions instead of engaging producers and experts in a dialogue about agricultural practices

EMAIL COMMITTEE

Sen.JeffGolden@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.ToddNash@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.FredGirod@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.FloydProzanski@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.KathleenTaylor@OregonLegislature.gov