The AESA was formed in 1995.  The organizers wanted to find a way to educate federal and state legislators, agencies and the general public about issues that affect  agriculture and forestry in Oregon.   AESA decided that getting the people to the farms, ranches, processing facilities, and out into the forests is where we needed to focus our attention.  We also wanted a way for the people within the Agpac Educational Services organizations to meet our state officials, legislators and agency  heads. 

We decided to alternate the events, putting on one event each year.  During the election cycle, we have the “Legislative AG and Forestry Tour”.
Invited guests are the seated legislators, agencies, state officials and the candidates who have won their primary elections.  Also Invited are the farmers, ranches and foresters within the AESA organization.  The "Legislative AG and Forestry Tour" is our way of teaching and educating those who want to learn about our issues.

In Oregon, 95% of the farmers live on and work their own farms.  Compared to the rest of the nation, we are small in size but ahead of most when it comes to conservation.  As new technologies emerge we are finding ways to put these innovations to work, with the help of the Oregon State Extension Service and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.