The Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association is looking to offer its Farmed Smart Ag Certification to growers in Oregon.

 

“And the intent of that program is to set a high set of conservation standards that we’re evaluating and certifying growers with to build market value and benefits back to those farmers,” said PNWDSA Executive Director Kay Meyer.

 

Meyer said the certification has been offered for several years to Washington growers, and even has the backing of the Washington Department of Ecology.  She notes they visited with key officials in Salem earlier this fall to determine interest in offering the Certification in Oregon.  Meyer noted Oregon growers that participate would enjoy several benefits.

 

“New markets that wouldn’t necessarily be valuable to them, market premiums, tax credits, rebates on agribusiness or equipment, chemicals and regulatory certainty is one of those benefits carbon credits, so we’re working on a variety of things that would be put into place that would benefit the farmers.”

 

Meyer said whether it’s Washington or Oregon, education regarding the certification is key for growers to understand the many benefits.  To learn more about the Farmed Smart Certification, visit the Direct Seed's Website.

 

 

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