So far there has been just one detection of boxwood blight in Oregon nurseries, but growers are taking the pathogen very seriously, as Mitch Lies reports in the Capital Press (Salem, Ore.). The Oregon Association of Nurseries has been out front in getting information to its members, and is holding a special meeting on Friday, […]
Quarantines that outlive their utility
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Most agree that from time to time, plant quarantines are needed to protect against invasive species, pests and pathogens. But what happens when a quarantine is no longer needed, or it no longer conform to the best available practices? According to Dan Hilburn, plant division administrator at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the answer, all […]
Oregon nursery sales down 9 percent
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During 2010, Oregon nursery and greenhouse growers had less money coming in for the third consecutive year, according to statistics newly released by the USDA-Natural Agricultural Statistics Service, Oregon Field Office. The numbers are added up from a survey that is sent to every nursery and greenhouse grower in the state. For 2010, the results […]
ODA approves seven butterfly bush cultivars
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture today approved seven butterfly bush selections. They are: FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Blueberry Cobbler Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Peach Cobbler Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY™ Pink Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY PETITE™ Snow White Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Sweet Marmalade Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Tangerine Dream Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Vanilla Nectar Bush Since the end […]
ODA director more positive for 2011
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Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, is beginning her ninth year in the position. The department has released an interview in which she talks about the year ahead for Oregon farmers. It’s a good, quick read that touches on nursery issues, including export markets, water quality, pesticides and more. Check it out.
ODA offers new round of specialty crop grants
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On Jan. 1, the Oregon Department of Agriculture will begin accepting proposals for a new round of specialty crop grants. Eligible recipients can include agriculture industry associations, producer groups, commodity commissions, non-profits, for profits, and local government agencies in Oregon. These funds were authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill, which passed with support and input […]
Approval process announced for legal butterfly bush cultivars
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Some say the butterfly bush is beautiful, but in Oregon, it’s also invasive. On January 1, 2010, the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s ban on butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii and Buddleja varabilis) as a noxious weed took effect. This means the plant no longer can be transported, sold, offered for sale, grown or propagated in Oregon, […]
OSU releases new report on Drosophila suzukii
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Oregon State University has released its latest update (PDF) on the spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), a dangerous and rapidly-spreading pest that’s new to the United States. This fruit fly attacks fruit still living and growing on the branch, rather than just dropped fruit. Thus, it has the potential to create problems not just for fruit […]
It’s official – Climate Friendly Nurseries Project launched
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The Oregon Association of Nurseries and the Oregon Environmental Council have created a partnership known as the Climate Friendly Nurseries Project, the two organizations announced Thursday morning at the 2009 Farwest Show in Portland, Ore. Over the next three years, the partners will work together to help nurseries to reduce energy use and emissions of […]
Organic equivalency
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U.S. and Canadian officials have struck an agreement for organic equivalency. In other words, if something has met the Canadian standards to be certified organic, then it is also deemed to be certified organic by the United States, and vice versa. Read about it at The Packer Web site.