March 23, 2023 10:40 a.m. 

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley say 11 Oregon farmers will receive a combined $2.1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand their influence and market new products.

The announcement came on Wednesday, which was National Ag Day.

Wyden said, “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 will help kick-start efforts for family farms to innovate and continue to compete in a global marketplace”. Wyden said he will keep fighting to secure similar investments that support Oregon Ag producers for generations to come.

Merkley said, “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 theses grants will create for innovation and keeping Oregon farmers and ranchers competitive in the global market will have lasting impacts for Oregon communities”.

The funds have been made available through the USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program.

The grant awards went to farmers in 11 Oregon communities including Creswell, Junction City and Eagle Point. None went to Douglas County farmers.