In Episode 14 of the Oregon D.O.G.E. podcast, host Senator Daniel Bonham is joined by Representative Anna Scharf and Senator Diane Linthicum to dissect the growing crisis in Oregon’s agriculture sector. What begins as a discussion of the Department of Agriculture’s budget quickly evolves into a sobering examination of government overreach, burdensome labor laws, and the slow erosion of Oregon’s farming future.
A Shrinking Farming Base, Growing State Power
Between 2017 and 2022, Oregon lost over 2000 farms and nearly 670,000 acres of farmland. Yet, the Department of Agriculture’s budget continues to climb — a disconnect that raises serious questions about priorities. While farmers face rising costs and falling margins, government agencies expand.
The True Cost of “Helping Workers”
One of the episode’s most powerful segments focuses on the unintended consequences of House Bill 4002 — Oregon’s agriculture overtime law. Rather than helping workers, lawmakers say it has reduced wages and work hours while increasing costs for employers. The result? Family farms are being squeezed to the breaking point.
Small Farms vs. Real Food Supply
A major point of contention is the state’s tendency to favor “small farms” under 10 acres with grants and programs — while ignoring the economic backbone of Oregon’s food system: large family-owned farms. With 97% of Oregon farms being family-operated, lawmakers argue the state is picking winners and losers in ways that don’t reflect actual food production or economic value.
The Hidden Costs of Compliance
From labor mandates and OSHA overreach to DEQ and water-use regulations, the panel details the constant barrage of laws that make farming harder and less viable in Oregon. Housing mandates, cooling regulations, and restrictions on worker hours are just a few examples of policies crafted without input from real producers.
The Big Picture
Agriculture in Oregon is more than a nostalgic industry — it’s a $42 billion economic engine. Yet, as the podcast reveals, political ideology is steering Oregon into dangerous territory. Overregulation, labor favoritism, and agency bloat are choking one of the state’s most essential industries. Without serious reform, the very people who feed Oregon may no longer be able to survive here.
Key Stats From the Episode
- Oregon has lost over 2000 farms since 2017
- Agriculture income in Oregon ranks well below national averages
- Oregon farmers face the highest labor costs in the U.S.
- Nearly all Oregon farms (97%) are family owned and operated
- Small farms under 10 acres contribute only 3% of the ag economy
Conclusion
Episode 14 is a warning shot: Oregon’s agriculture industry is on the brink. Without urgent course correction, we may soon rely on out-of-state or even foreign producers for what we once proudly grew ourselves.