State Flower: Flower
Updates in 2023:
HB2998 [LS] Creates Oregon Soil Health Initiative – in committee upon adjournment
HB3490/SB530 [LS/LS] Establishes state policy regarding natural climate solutions; includes “competitive grant program for equipment to support soil health practices” – in committee upon adjournment
SB526 [LS] Relating to support for agricultural producers who employ agricultural practices that lead to resilient farms; whereas clauses include information on organic farmers leading on soil health practices and importance of organic sales in Oregon, bill includes support for farmers who implement soil health practices, by reimbursing for soil testing and certification. – in committee upon adjournment
HB3409 [LS] Relating to climate; and declaring an emergency; includes “that it is the policy of this state to: … (3) Incentivize and implement natural climate solutions by: … (d) Ensuring that a diversity of landowners and managers are able to voluntarily participate in incentive-based programs for natural climate solutions and climate resilience through activities that may include, but are not limited to: … (F) Optimizing the social, health, ecological, climate resilience and economic benefits of natural climate solutions, including: … (iv) Improving soil health and productivity;” and $10,000,000 appropriated to Natural and Working Lands Fund to implement natural climate solutions –signed and enacted 7/27/2023
Updates in 2022:
SB1534 [LS], Carbon Sequestration in Working Lands and Waters (relating to biological carbon sequestration, not soil health bill) – stalled in committee
SB1546 [LS], Relating to Elliott State Research (not soil health bill – ecosystem health/services) – passed 3/8/2022 – signed 3/24/2022
SB1501 [LS], Relating to a negotiated agreement concerning private forestland (not soil health bill – ecosystem health/services) – passed 3/8/2022 – signed 3/17/2022
Legislative Information
Date:
June 2021
Legislation:
SB 5502 Budget Bill for Oregon Department of Agriculture
see page 22 of LFO Recommendations for Package 365
Sponsors:
N/A for agency budget bills
Agencies Involved:
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Rule Making Processes:
N/A
Program Summary
Description:
This new Soil Health Specialist Position at Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will provide in-house expertise at ODA to improve soil health on Oregon’s agricultural lands. More specifically:
- Support implementation of ODA’s climate change plan which was drafted in response to the Governor’s Climate Action Plan (EO 20-04);
- Advance Oregon agricultural practices that promote soil health through education, technical assistance and coordination;
- Pursue funding from agency partners to support more widespread adoption of soil health practices;
- Recommend additional policies and programs in Oregon to support soil health, using other state policies as models; and
- Collaborate on research to understand Oregon’s soil carbon sequestration rates and how various practices can promote carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
Soil Health Definitions:
Soil health has been defined as the “the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land-use boundaries, to sustain biological productivity, promote the quality of air and water environments, and maintain plant, animal, and human health”.
Stated Goals:
Provide in-house expertise at ODA to improve soil health on Oregon’s agricultural lands.
Program Required Measurements:
TBD
Tools & Guidance:
N/A
Funding Sources
Founding Source/s:
Oregon USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Funding Type/s:
Federal Farm Bill monies
Practices Eligible for Funding:
TBD
Lessons Learned
N/A
Agencies Involved
House Committee:
Senate Committee:
State Universities & Researchers
Oregon State University, Central Analytical Laboratory; Soil Health Initiative (land-grant university)
Agricultural Organizations & Technical Assistance
Oregon National Resources Conservation Service
Oregon State University Extension
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Education & Advocacy Groups
Media & Additional Resources
N/A