Merkley and Wyden Announce Key Oregon Wins in Senate Agriculture Appropriations Bill

Statement

Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley, who is the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, and Ron Wyden announced that the Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill, includes key provisions that will help Oregon's rural communities. These include $150 million in funding for a program that could help provide grants to address the loss of habitat for the spotted frog in Central Oregon, funding for wood products research programs that include Oregon State University's work on cross-laminated timber products, and language encouraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund industrial hemp research projects.

"I was glad to be able to put together a bipartisan bill with Chairman Moran that makes sure that Oregon communities are getting the resources they need to be successful," said Merkley. "From Central Oregon farmers who are dealing with the spotted frog, to our rural communities that rely on the forest products industry, to finally allowing the federal government to fund industrial hemp research, this bill delivers for Oregon communities."

"This legislation builds on the economic strengths of our state's forests and rich farmland while preserving our pristine wildlife habitats," Wyden said. "It opens up new avenues to turn Oregon trees into groundbreaking building technologies and for Oregon farmers to gain from a billion-dollar industrial hemp industry. The result is a treasure trove of opportunities for new Oregon products and jobs, all while protecting endangered species."

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