Metal thefts long have been a concern for nurseries and growers. The thieves target irrigation pipes and other pieces of equipment, and then sell them anonymously to scrap metal dealers for cash (often to fund drug habits). That’s why the Oregon Association of Nurseries has been among the strongest voices asking for greater enforcement and accountability – and it appears that legislators are listening. Rep. Greg Macpherson is a cosponsor of newly-introduced legislation that would crack down on this activity and require greater documentation of transactions. He told the Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, Ore.):

“Currently, there isn’t that accountability piece … “You have that convenient excuse of ‘I don’t know where it came from. I didn’t ask; I didn’t have to.’ ”

One could call this new legislation a “Do ask, do tell” policy.