Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 678 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON WHEAT COMMISSION
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 678 is a specific set of regulations established by the Oregon Department of Agriculture that governs the operations and responsibilities of the Oregon Wheat Commission.
This chapter details the framework under which the Oregon Wheat Commission functions. Here's a breakdown of its typical contents and the overall purpose:
Key Areas Covered in OAR Chapter 678:
Procedural Rules: These outline the general operational procedures of the commission, including how meetings are conducted, records are kept, and decisions are made.
Screening and Selection Procedures for Personal Service Contracts: This section details the process the commission must follow when entering into contracts for services with external parties.
Reporting and Payment of Assessments: A crucial part of the chapter, this outlines how assessments (fees) on wheat (and sometimes barley) grown in Oregon are collected. It defines terms like "first purchaser" and "grower" and specifies the assessment rates and reporting requirements. These assessments are the primary funding source for the commission's activities.
Request for Public Records: This section describes the procedures for the public to request access to the commission's records.
Commission Compensation, Expenses, Terms, Make-Up, and Qualifications: This covers details about the members of the Oregon Wheat Commission, including their terms of service, qualifications, and how they are compensated for their official duties and expenses.
Purpose and Responsibilities of the Oregon Wheat Commission (as guided by OAR 678 and related statutes like ORS Chapter 578):
The Oregon Wheat Commission is a producer-funded and producer-governed program established by state law. Its core mission is to improve the profitability and long-term viability of Oregon wheat growers. It achieves this through various programs and initiatives, including:
Marketing and Market Development: Finding new markets for Oregon grains and grain products, both domestically and internationally. This includes publicizing and promoting the value and uses of Oregon wheat and encouraging its widespread use. They often cooperate with organizations like U.S. Wheat Associates.
Research: Investing in scientific research to improve wheat production, quality, and solve challenges faced by growers. This often involves funding research projects at institutions like Oregon State University (OSU) and USDA-ARS, focusing on areas like variety development, genomics, pest and disease control, fertility, and weed management.
Grower Education: Providing educational resources and information to wheat growers to help them adopt best practices, understand market trends, and enhance their operations.
Advocacy: Representing the interests of Oregon wheat producers in legislative and policy matters.
Stabilizing and Protecting the Industry: Taking actions deemed necessary to stabilize and protect the grain industry in Oregon and the welfare of the public.
Levying Assessments: The authority to collect assessments from wheat (and barley) growers, which provides the financial foundation for all its activities.
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