The Oregon Association of Nurseries has recognized six public officials as Friends of Nurseries for 2020, OAN Government Relations Committee Chairman Mark Bigej of Al’s Garden & Home announced at the 2020 OAN Convention. Each was recognized for their actions to defend and advance the Oregon nursery industry.

Outgoing U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Oregon) was recognized for his longstanding support of key nursery industry issues.

Osama El-Lissy, deputy director of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, was recognized for being “open, honest and solution-oriented” in working with the nursery industry on various pest and disease efforts.

Jonathan Sandau, special assistant to the director at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, was honored for his help in getting masks and materials out to the growers in the wake of COVID-19, and having a clear message about funding.

State Sen. Lynn Findley (R-Ontario) was honored for defending the nursery industry and agriculture, particularly on taxation issues.

Outgoing State Rep. Cheri Helt (R-Bend) was recognized for helping stem the tide of adverse recognition last year in the Oregon Legislature.

State Rep. Ron Noble (R-McMinnville) was honored for supporting all of the OAN’s policy priorities during the 2020 legislative session.