Please read this important message from Oregonians for Farm & Food Rights regarding proposed canola production in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Attend the hearing on Jan. 23 or submit your written comment to the Oregon Department of Agriculture by Jan. 25.
The Willamette Valley is one of the world’s last five great seed-growing regions. An unprecedented coalition of farmers — vegetable seed, wheat, clover, grass seed, organic farmers, fresh produce growers, and even sugar beet seed farmers — have banded together to stop the harmful introduction of this crop in their region. Our farmers truly need your help.
Last fall, many people testified against allowing canola production in the Willamette Valley. Thank you. Unfortunately, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) wasn’t interested in our message. Even though only six farmers spoke in support of canola at last fall’s hearing, and 34 farmers said they would be directly harmed by canola, the ODA is still moving forward to allow canola production in the Willamette Valley.
With those numbers, why is canola still an option? Why isn’t the will of the people and farmers enough? Our rights for food stability and independence are put at risk by this crop. We need to regain our decision making power and support our food system. The participation of every concerned citizen is crucial.
Please attend the public hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 23rd, 9 am at the Salem Fairgrounds, in Salem, Oregon, at Cascade Hall. Bring a friend. Bring a farmer! Submit your testimony and support your farmers. We need to stand up to the ODA and let them know the public cares.
If you are unable to attend the hearing, please send in a written comment by Jan. 25 at 5pm. Written comments can be mailed to: Canola Hearings Officer, Department of Agriculture, 635 Capitol Street NE, Salem, OR 97301 or sent via email to: canola-rulemaking (at) oda.state.or.us
Learn more about the impact canola would have in the Willamette Valley, and how communities can regain their decision making power at www.farmandfoodrights.org. Scroll down the homepage for a map and directions to the public hearing on Jan. 23.
Our farmers thank you for your help.
Kim Goodwin
Oregonians for Farm & Food Rights
www.farmandfoodrights.org
Please stop the proliferation of GMO crops in Oregon. It should be obvious by now that these engineered crops have had a devastating impact on our health.
Please, no GMO canola in the Willamette Valley!!!!!!