At the federal level, the Legislative Committee supported three coalition letters. The first letter was submitted to EPA to address their draft Insecticide Strategy to Reduce Exposure of Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species and Designated Critical Habitats from the Use of Conventional Agricultural Insecticides. The letter highlighted the importance of insecticides for agricultural producers, citing potential pest damages in several crops. It also highlighted how insecticides are vital for maintaining certain conservation practices, such as cover crops and edge of field practices. OWA joined nearly 180 organizations, including AAW, in support of insecticides.
The second letter was submitted to Congress regarding agricultural inputs, including pesticides and genetic innovations, to correct the record on the importance of these tools. OWA joined 266 organizations to support the needed tools to protect crops and livestock, which is essential for our food and national security, providing affordable goods to consumers, and U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. The letter strongly urged Congress and federal regulators to avoid any policy changes that would impose new burdens on these tools, undermine their use, or deviate from their existing risk- and science-based regulatory processes.
The third letter was sent to President Trump’s Transition Team. As representatives of the food and agriculture value chain, we expressed our enthusiasm for working with him and the upcoming administration leaders to ensure that America continues to have the safest, most affordable food, feed, and fiber supplies in the world. We are eager to support Administration nominees and appointees who commit to science and risk-based decision making. Our organizations support food and nutrition policies that are based on robust scientific evidence, deliver measurable benefits to consumers, and empower consumers to make informed and healthy purchasing decisions while preventing misunderstanding and confusion.
At the state level, we are getting ready for the 2025 Legislative Session that starts on January 21.
The AG-PAC Educational Services scheduled their Spring Legislative Reception for March 18 at the Willamette Heritage Center, from 5-7 pm. It is a great opportunity to meet with elected officials, agency representatives and members from agriculture, timber and natural resource organizations. As a member of AESA, up to 10 OWA members can participate in the event. More information will be shared over the next two months.
Helle Ruddenklau- OSU Alumni Leader Award
Congratulations to committee member Helle Ruddenklau, who was awarded the OSU College of Agriculture’s Alumni Leader Award at the OSU Dean’s Dinner in October. A much-deserved recognition from the College of Agriculture, congratulations Helle!