Strict ‘organic’ emphasis ignores realities of Oregon agriculture

By Rep. Jami Cate
What does it mean to be “Oregon?”
During a recent legislative hearing, then-House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek told those of us serving on the House Committee on Economic Recovery and Prosperity that “organic” is a strong part of what it means to be Oregon.
This was offered up to justify a call for increased support for organic agriculture – a sector that makes up only 1.2% of Oregon’s agricultural…