The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is currently on the hunt for a diverse group of individuals to take up the mantle as commissioners on the state's various agricultural and commercial fisheries commodity commissions. With a total of 72 openings across 22 commissions, the opportunity is ripe for those with a vested interest in the promotion, education, and research endeavors that support Oregon's rich agricultural industry. Applicants have until April 6th, 2025, to submit their desire to serve. The application process and more details can be accessed on the Oregon Department of Agriculture website.
One of the unifying requirements for all applicants is U.S. citizenship and Oregon residency. Public members must demonstrate an active interest in improving economic conditions for the commodity they wish to join, however, cannot be directly involved in producing or handling that specific commodity. Producers, defined as growers harvesters, and handlers, who are typically the first buyers from the producers, must have paid or collected assessments for their respective commodities for at least the previous three years, as detailed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Seats are available on commissions representing a broad spectrum of Oregon's agrarian output, from the Oregon Dairy Products Commission to the Oregon Wheat Commission. Positions range from producers to handlers – and even include spots for public members who, while not directly linked to the production chain, have a stake in the commodity's market vitality and future. The Oregon Beef Council, for example, is looking for two producers, a beef producer, and a feeder/feedlot, while the Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission is aiming to fill three producer spots and one for a handler, as per the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Details regarding these openings can be found directly through the provided link to the ODA's announcement.
