Founder of Save the Family Farm: Oregon is “unfriendly to agriculture”
This article was originally published by Captial Press.
State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis recently addressed a gathering of FFA members at the Oregon FFA 2024 State Convention in Redmond, Oregon. As a farmer and owner of a trucking business herself, Boshart Davis highlighted the challenges facing agriculture in the state and emphasized the importance of the FFA members as the industry's greatest asset.
Boshart Davis expressed concerns about the unfriendly attitude of the government in Salem towards agriculture, citing high taxes and regulations as major obstacles. “It’s well known in the Capitol building that the Legislature is simply unfriendly to agriculture," she said. "The high tax and regulation environment we’re facing is challenging."
She conducted a SWOT analysis, evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing Oregon agriculture. “We have to be honest about the situation in front of us,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Boshart Davis also noted the strengths of Oregon's agricultural sector, including its diversity with over 220 crops grown and its advantageous geographic location for exports. She identified the FFA members as a significant opportunity for the future of Oregon agriculture, urging them to leverage their education and experience to contribute to the industry's success.
In a supportive gesture, Boshart Davis encouraged the FFA members to rely on the older generation for guidance and support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different generations within the agricultural community.
The convention, which took place from March 21-24, brought together approximately 2,900 FFA members along with parents and educators at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon.
