SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s agricultural community, comprised of a diverse mix of small, mid- sized, and large farms from across the state, applauds the continued partnership between the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). On July 17, both agencies reaffirmed their roles to support Oregon agriculture and protect the environment.

As reported by the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) at the meeting, Oregon’s Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) program consistently documents high compliance rates during routine inspections of farms and ranches.

The Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, and Oregon Cattlemen’s Association agree that the agriculture community is best served when government agencies can coordinate, collaborate, and use their combined expertise to the benefit of all Oregonians.

Agriculture is increasingly diverse and complex, and it requires thoughtful, precise government partnership and oversight. ODA’s ag expertise, partnered with DEQ’s careful oversight over environmental protection, has proven to be effective and responsive to Oregonians’ values for farms and the environment.

Mary Anne Cooper of the Oregon Farm Bureau had this to say about the continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reaffirming the working relationship between ODEQ and ODA:

“Oregon CAFOs of all sizes are committed to doing the right thing for their employees, their local communi- ties, their animals, and the environment. Oregon’s farms and ranches, from small-sized to large-scale opera- tions, have set the gold-standard for other states to follow. We are proud of our record and commitment to best practices, which has resulted in unrivaled agricultural products of the highest quality for Oregonians and consumers around the world.”

— Oregon Farm Bureau

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