Oregon's Shaniko Wool and Seed Council to Receive Global Trailblazer Awards at Celebrate Trade Gala

As the Oregon Consular Corps gears up to celebrate its annual Trade Gala today, Shaniko Wool, along with the Oregon Seed Council, is taking center stage after being named recipients of the coveted Global Trailblazer Awards. The recognition highlights the significant impacts Oregon-based companies have on the international stage, particularly in the seemingly distant realm of sports and outdoor recreation.

According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, this year's accolades are a testament to how elements of the local agricultural sector have been integral in promoting the state's reputation globally. Lisa Charpilloz Hanson, ODA Director, expressed pride in the awardees, stating that they "are delighted to see Shaniko Wool and the Oregon Seed Council recognized for putting Oregon on the global stage." Hanson lauded the organizations for supporting not only elite athletes but also the backbone of local communities and the stewardship of working lands.

Shaniko Wool is no stranger to acclaim; their partnership with Ralph Lauren to create Team USA's opening ceremony uniforms for multiple Olympic events has clothed American athletes in Oregon's wool from the winter slopes to the summer heat of Paris. The brand stands out for more than just its fabric, as it also pioneers in ethical practices. Founder Jeanne Carver was pivotal in developing the Responsible Wool Standard, ensuring animal welfare, land health, and fair labor.

The Oregon Seed Council, representing more than a thousand seed farmers, similarly plays a key role in competitive sports, albeit below the players' feet. The grass seeds cultivated in Oregon dress the world's top sports grounds, from FIFA World Cup soccer fields to tennis courts and golf courses. Beyond their visual appeal and playability, these turfgrasses offer substantial environmental benefits both within the state and in green spaces around the world. Despite the seeming mundanity of agriculture, Oregon industries continue to prove their weight in gold on the world's athletic fields.