November 2, 2026 4:10 p.m. 

On Monday, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led Oregon Congressional Delegation members—including Senator Ron Wyden and the five Democratic U.S. Representatives to announce that after pressure from the delegation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will purchase hazelnuts and Pacific Whiting fillets under the agency’s Section 32 purchase program.

A release from Merkley’s office said these purchases will benefit communities and rural economies across Oregon by supporting domestic production and distribution of these agricultural goods during periods of significant market disruption and economic uncertainty.

Senator Merkley said, “Our fisheries and farms deliver incredible products all around the world and are the lifeblood of our communities.” Merkley said, “This announcement ensures Oregon’s harvesters, processors, and producers will receive critical financial assistance needed to continue operating and providing services here in Oregon and beyond. I am elated the USDA has decided to make these purchases—this is a win for communities across our state.”

Senator Wyden said, “Iconic state industries like agriculture and fishing count on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do its job and support Oregonians working hard to keep producing their world-class goods.” Wyden said, “I’m glad the full-court press from the delegation has unlocked this win for Oregonians fishing Pacific whiting and growing hazelnuts.”

Previously, Merkley and the Oregon delegation pressed the USDA to include Pacific whiting and Oregon hazelnuts, which account for 99 percent of hazelnuts produced in the United States, in this year’s Section 32 purchases. Following their efforts, the USDA announced it was purchasing $22 million in hazelnuts and $12 million in Pacific Whiting.