March 22, 2023

Wyden, Merkley: $2.1 Million to Oregon Farmers

Grants will go to farmers in Clackamas, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Multnomah, Polk, and Wallowa counties on National Ag Day 2023

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that 11 Oregon farmers will received a combined $2.1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand their influence and market new products. The grant announcement comes out in honor this week of National Ag Day 2023.

"Oregon's family farmers and ranchers have put Oregon on the map as an agriculture powerhouse, all while supporting jobs across the state. These grant dollars help kick-start efforts for family farms to innovate and continue to compete in a global marketplace," Wyden said. "On National Ag Day and every day, I will keep fighting to secure similar investments that support Oregon Ag producers for generations to come." 

“I hear from Oregonians across the state about the need to ensure our world-class agriculture sector has the support it needs to grow and thrive,” Merkley said. “The opportunities these grants will create for innovation and keeping Oregon farmers and ranchers competitive in the global market will have lasting impacts for Oregon communities. I look forward to seeing the great things to come from these grants and will keep working hard to make sure Oregon farmers and ranchers have what they need to succeed.” 

The funds have been made available through USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program. The grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes through value-added activities.

The announced Value-Added Producer Grant awards are:

  • Zena Forest, a farm in Rickreall, Oregon, will use a $249,592 grant to expand their marketing and processing of raw logs into wide planked engineered flooring.
  • Stangel Livestock, a family farm in Enterprise, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their grass-fed bison meat and finished bison products.
  • Scenic Fruit Company, a farm in Gresham, Oregon, will use a $72,000 grant to work with Oregon State University Food Innovation Center on a feasibility study and to market their new produce, a blueberry dessert topping.
  • Firebird Farms, a farm in Ashland, Oregon, will use a $234,895 grant to expand their production, capacity, and marketing of Tibetan yak fiber goods including skulls, hides, and down fiber.
  • Wild Oasis Bison Ranch, a farm in Eagle Point, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their bison cuts.
  • Rainshadow Organics, a farm in Sisters, Oregon, will use a $49,999 grant to expand the marketing and sales of Shrub, a juice drink consisting of excess or imperfect vegetables.
  • La Creole Orchards, a farm in Portland, Oregon, will use a $49,999 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their olive oil with assistance from the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center.
  • Creamy Cow, a farm in Junction City, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their soft and hard cheeses.
  • Lady-Lane Farm, a farm in Mulino, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the sale of their cheese, butter, and ice cream into new markets.
  • TMK Creamery, a farm in Canby, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to expand the marketing and sales of their hard pack ice cream, Swiss cheese, and owner-distilled Cowcohol vodka.
  • My Brothers’ Farm, a family-owned and operated farm in Creswell, Oregon, will use a $250,000 grant to market and expand the sale of their organic hazelnuts.

“National Ag Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture and the unwavering commitment of our nation’s agricultural producers,” said USDA Rural Development Oregon State Director Margi Hoffmann. “Through severe droughts and extreme wildfires, Oregon’s farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and fishers put food on our tables, create jobs, and supply our nation. With the support of programs like USDA RD's Value-Added Producer Grants, their innovation and resilience have made Oregon a national leader in sustainable, climate smart agriculture.”