Uniting Agriculture Through Education

1
Uniting Agriculture Through Education
Brent Searle Oregon Department of Agriculture
2
Its more than a pretty picture
3
The Challenge
More U.S. kids have visited a zoo than a working
farm or ranch. The productivity of modern
agriculture have allowed 99 of the population to
do something other than worry about where there
next meal is coming from. In so doing, weve
created a society of agricultural illiterates.
4
OWA Support for AITC - THANK YOU!

• Agriculture in the Classroom is reaching over
  28,000 students in 2003/04, up from 3,000 in
  1999/2000
• Over 1,000 teachers are utilizing AITC materials.
• AITC works in tandem with 4-H Extension Programs
  and FFA in High School.
• http//aitc.oregonstate.edu/

5
Tell and Retell Agricultures StoryImportance
to Oregons Economy, Environment, and Social
Fabric
6
Director Cobas Mantra

• Its ALL about agriculture!

7
Who is the audience and What is the message?

• Agriculture industry to be effective the
  industry (working with OSU, ODA, others) must
  research and understand complicated issues
  collaborate together skillfully articulate
  positive approaches to issues and challenges
  requires LEADERSHIP and INNOVATION.
• Public generally wants to be supportive but
  doesnt know how, or is influenced by other
  groups.
• Government, at all levels, is made up of
  individuals educated in a system lacking in
  natural resource/agricultural experience and
  context.
• Education system is focused in other directions
  and few schools have natural resources,
  agriculture, fisheries, and forestry as a content
  module for learning.

8
What is the message?

• Economic importance and relevance
• Conservation/environmental stewardship progress
  and accomplishments and new ideas
• Connection to cultural and historical aspects of
  our communities
• Three Legs of Sustainability, Triple Bottom
  Line, New Economy

9
How Does ODA fit in?

• Mission Statement
• to promote economic development and expand market
  opportunities for Oregon agricultural products.
• to protect the natural resource base for present
  and future generations of farmers and ranchers.
• to ensure food safety and provide consumer
  protection

10
Agricultures Economic ContributionThe message
is getting out that agriculture is important

• Accounting for economic activity and jobs
  supported by agriculture (inputs, food
  processing, etc.), the industry accounts for 8-9
  of jobs and 9.5 of gross state product (GSP).
• Agriculture has rebounded from the downturn of
  2001-2002, and the value of of agricultural
  output has reached an all-time high of 3.8
  billion.
• Net farm income did suffer in the past, but 2002
  showed an 21 increase and 2003 a 30 increase.

11
Value of Farm and Ranch Production 1985 - 2003
3.8 billion
Value of Production
Expenses continue to take a big bite from growers
profits
Net Farm Income
Source Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nominal Dollars.
12
Employment

• More than 150,000 people are engaged in various
  occupations related to agriculture.
• 8-9 of Oregons employment (1 in 12).
• Total payroll is over 2.3 billion.

13
Oregon Producer Demographics

• 40,000 farms and ranches
• 98 are family owned and operated 88 are sole
  proprietor/individual 6 partnerships, mostly
  family 5 corporations, mostly family. Less than
  1 are non-family corporations.
• Average age of operators 55 years old. 54 of
  all growers are 55 or older and own or operate
  over 50 of farm acreage. Implications for land
  turnover in the next 10-15 years are significant.
• Who will care for and operate Oregons farms in
  the future?

14
Oregons Farm/Ranch Demographics

• Full-time Operators
• Todays economics require at least 250,000 in
  sales in order to operate full-time and provide
  for family living expenses.
• 2,250 Oregon farms meet this criteria (6).
• These farms produce 80 of Oregons agricultural
  output.
• Caught in the Middle
• Work off-farm to support household. Squeezed by
  costs and not enough volume.
• 25 (10,000) of farms, produce 18 of output,
  control 35 of acres.
• Small-time operators
• 69 (27,600) of Oregon farms have less than
  10,000 in sales. 62 of farms are less than 50
  acres. Many part-time, hobby, and life-style
  farms.
• Those with sales under 10,000 control about 10
  of farm acres -- so they are critical to resource
  management. They often serve local markets and
  are more labor intensive, tend to focus on
  organic and other niche markets -- get a lot of
  press!

15
Diversity of Production

• Over 220 commodities produced in Oregon.
• Helps create greater stability throughout the
  industry over time.

16
Segments in Oregons 3.8 Billion Ag Industries
Diversity of Production
17
Oregon Leads the Nation in the Production of

• Grass Seed
• Hazelnuts
• Christmas Trees
• Peppermint
• Caneberries
• Sugar beets for seed
• Crimson clover
• Red clover seed
• Herbs, dried
• Potted Florist Azaleas

18
Commodities Ranked by Value of Production (2003)

• Nursery/Greenhouse 777.6 million
• Cattle Calves 429.8 million
• Hay, all 365.7 million
• Grass Seed, all 291.7 million
• Milk, all 272.1 million
• Wheat, all 199.8 million
• Christmas trees 158 million
• Onions, all 108.3 million
• Potatoes, all 106.6 million
• Pears, all 72.2 million

Source Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service
19
Oregons Top 10 Agricultural Counties (2004)

1. Marion County 518 million
2. Clackamas County 354 million
3. Washington County 252 million
4. Yamhill County 242 million
5. Umatilla County 235 million
6. Linn County 230 million
7. Morrow County 211 million
8. Klamath County 182 million
9. Malheur County 171 million
10. Polk County 124 million

20
Oregons Top 10 Agricultural CountiesProduction/
person 2003

• Morrow 15,298
• Sherman 12,154
• Gilliam 9,178
• Harney 7,894
• Lake 7,069
• Wheeler 5,566
• Malheur 5,451
• Wallowa 4,755
• Tillamook 3,593
• Grant 3,401

Sources USDA OR Ag Statistics Service
Population Research Center, PSU
21
Agriculture is One of Oregons Most Important
Exports-- Traded Sector / new into state

• 80 of production leaves the state.
• 40 of production leaves the country.
• Ag and food products are the second largest
  export sector in terms of value, the first in
  terms of volume.
• Accounts for about 19 of total state exports.
• 60 of the Port of Portlands total tonnage of
  exports is agriculture.

22
Agriculture is One of Oregons Most Important
Exports

• While computer and electronic products currently
  top Oregon exports at 4.2 billion, this total is
  down 8.5 over the past year, while agricultural
  exports are up 20.4 to 1.55 billion. Add in
  processed food, and total ag-related
  exportsreach 1.83 billion.
• Japan 1, followed by Korea, China, Canada
  and Mexico.

23
Value Added

• Over 1.5 billion in value added through food
  processing statewide with much of this centered
  in the Portland and Salem Metro areas.

24
Food Processing

• Multnomah County leads Oregon in food processing
  with more than 24 of the states food processing
  payroll and nearly 20 of the employees. Marion
  County follows with 18 of the food processing
  employment and 16 of payroll.
• Average pay per worker is 36,112 in Multnomah
  County and 26,731 in Marion County.

25
Natural Resource Message Stewardship of Oregons
Agricultural Land and Water

• Land and water are the two primary components of
  producing food and fiber -- just as silicon and
  electronics are for high tech...
• Farmers and ranchers are the largest private
  landowners in Oregon, managing over 17 million
  acres of land in farm use.
• 15.5 million are in commercial farm use (gross
  over 10,000 in sales) and zoned as agricultural
  land.
• 1.5 million acres are lifestyle farms lt10,000
  sales.
• Cropland 5.4 million acres
• Fallow rotation 500,000 acres
• Pastureland/rangeland 9 million acres
• Woodlands 2.1 million acres
• Conservation dedicated 500,000 acres

26
Agriculture Needs Water

• 44.4 of all Oregon farms do some irrigation.
• 64.5 of harvested cropland acres are irrigated.
• Irrigated farms produced over 80 of the total
  value of Oregons harvested crops.

27
Irrigation by County

• Klamath
• Malheur
• Lake
• Harney
• Baker
• Umatilla
• Marion
• Morrow
• Crook
• Union

• 242,153 acres
• 223,263 acres
• 194,320 acres
• 133,008 acres
• 127,077 acres
• 121,909 acres
• 100,415 acres
• 94,798 acres
• 77,861 acres
• 64,901 acres

28
Natural Resource Management

• Tough requirements for environmental stewardship
  has earned Oregon a reputation for being a
  national leader in natural resource management.
• Oregon farmers and ranchers have nearly 500,000
  acres enrolled in conservation programs.
• Oregon leads the nation in the number of water
  transfers and amount used for conservation and
  wildlife.
• Oregon has implemented a state-wide agricultural
  water quality management plan (SB1010), including
  livestock operation waste handling (CAFO).
• Agriculture can use this experience to market its
  products (and even services) -- the public is
  increasingly demanding information about how and
  where food comes from.
• Certification and documentation can also assist
  growers with green payments -- CSP, carbon
  sequestration, etc.

29
Identifying the real consumer trend can be
difficult.
What do consumers want?
30
Consumer Trends

1. One year ago, approximately 10 of the U.S.
   population was on a low-carb diet, affecting
   products made with wheat, potatoes... Today,
   about 5 of the population on a low-carb diet.
2. Functional foods are taking the lead. This
   includes foods containing probiotics,
   energy-boosters, vitamin and mineral supplements,
   cholesterol-lowering foods, and
   "diabetes-friendly" foods.
3. Another 10-15 of the US population makes some
   food purchases based on specific production or
   processing traits, be it organic, kosher,
   sustainable, location of production, or other
   preference.
4. About 10 of consumers are doing some amount of
   grocery and specialty food purchasing online,
   affecting how products are displayed, packaged,
   and distributed.
5. More U.S. households now have pets than
   children.... the implications are significant.
6. 30 of the U.S.s 100 largest cities now have a
   minority as the majority population.
   Increasing numbers of ethnic groups are seeking
   foods that fit their culture and tastes.
7. The baby boomers are now gray-haired and wanting
   smaller portions, more convenience, and more
   variety in the foods they buy.

31
Renewable Energy Opportunities

• New ways to utilize the natural resource base
• Wind
• Biofuels
• Biomass
• Biogas (digesters)
• Solar
• Micro-hydro
• Geothermal

32
Renewable Energy Benefits

• Locally produced, helps local economies
• Biobased, less impact on environment -- land,
  water and air
• Reduces reliance/dependence on foreign supplies
  of oil and power
• Diversifies economic base and creates more
  stability
• Provides potential rotational crops and other
  opportunities for growers
• Builds bridges over the urban-rural divide

33
Wind Example Economics

• Klondike
• approximately 1/2 acre per turbine is taken from
  agricultural production
• 8 acres for 16 machines for a total of 24 MW
• Wind 32,000 per year assuming 2,000 per
  turbine per year
• Wheat about 800 per year assuming
  100/acre/year gross, averaged with 2-year
  rotation

34
State-level Initiatives

• Renewable Energy Action Plan, led by OR Dept. of
  Energy, targets all renewable energy
  technologies, sets out goals, and recommends
  legislative action.http//www.energy.state.or.us/
  renew/RenewPlan.htm
• Governor is supporting legislative proposals that
  create incentives, fuel blends, and research.
• Rep. Kropf and Dingfelder will be introducing
  renewable energy bills

35
Community Message

• More than 1,800 farms and ranches in Oregon have
  been honored as Century Farms -- owned and
  operated by the same family for over 100 years.
  No other industry in the state can claim that
  level of community roots, sustainability, and
  historic perspective.
• The number of farmers markets in Oregon has grown
  from just 10 in 1990 to more than 60 statewide. 
  Many are concentrated in the Portland Metro area.
• The number of roadside stands offering fresh
  produce is now more than 100.  Again, many of
  those are located near our urban centers.

36
Community Message

• Oregons food industry (growers and processors)
  is the largest provider of donations to the
  Oregon Food Bank network, and provides 60 of all
  direct donations.  Another 18 of what is
  received by the Food Bank comes from USDA food
  assistance programs nearly 80 of the volume of
  foods distributed by the Food Bank comes directly
  from donations by growers and food processors in
  Oregon, or the USDA surplus food products.

37
Building on Community

• How does the industry build on the significant
  contributions and historical community resources
  that are associated with agriculture?
• Collaborate with local museums, historical
  societies, seasonal tourism attractions
• Invite local papers to Century Farms to hear the
  history and write local stories
• More on-farm tours and educational outreach

38
Research and Higher Ed

• Support for OSU Extension and Research
• Focus on innovative solutions to current issues
• Identify and capitalize on collaboration of high
  tech, higher ed, and natural resource advantages
  in Oregon.

39
OECDD Workgroup on Innovations in Natural
Resources

• Purpose
• to develop a technology-based economic roadmap
  that identifies economic opportunities for the
  states core research competencies related to
  innovation in natural resources and sustainable
  technologies. The roadmap must focus on the four
  industry sub-clusters 1) green building
  (including high-value wood products and
  engineered materials) and urban planning 2)
  natural resources (including agricultural and
  forestry products and processes) 3) renewable
  energy and clean transportation and 4)
  sustainable technologies for high-tech and
  manufacturing.

40
Examples of technology in agriculture tell the
story

• Nanobiosensors and Milking
• An array of nanobiosensors are being developed
  for use directly at the inlet of the milking
  maching to monitor for the presence of bacteria
  in the milk of each cow and other health
  diagnostics. This enables direct quality control
  of milk for each cow being milked, rapid
  detection in seconds if there are problems,
  remote sensing capabilities.
• Photosensing
• Chemical application equipment in Eastern Oregon
  wheat fields and Western Oreogn vineyards are
  being outfitted with infrared color sensors that
  can detect weeds or unwanted vegetation, enabling
  spot spraying of chemicals on very specific
  areas. This reduces the cost of application and
  the amount of the chemical in the environment.
• Micro-monitoring in Vineyards
• Intel recently installed small sensors in a
  vineyard in Oregon to monitor microclimates. The
  sensors measured temperature, humidity, and other
  factors to monitor the growing cycle of the
  grapes, then transmitted the data to be
  interpreted and used to help prevent frostbite,
  mold, and other agricultural problems.

41
Uniting Agriculture Through Education

• AUDIENCES
• Industry, Public, Government, Education
  System/Teachers
• MESSAGES
• Economic, Environment, Community

42
Oregon Agriculture Education is the Key to
Industry Unity and a Prosperous and Viable Future