The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

By Jami Cate

During a recent legislative hearing, 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 operations.

While I can easily agree that though small, organic is an important part of Oregon's agricultural sector, I know first-hand in being part of the other 98.8% of agricultural producers –...