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Before the creation of AG-PAC, natural resource industries had no voice.
Legislative and agency doors were closed to farmers, foresters and the natural
resource industry on issues that affected them.
Legislators tended to
be very
GREEN
and very liberal.
We were in a
quandary as to what to do. We needed to find a way to get a seat at the table;
to have a say in the political process. It was decided that we would pool their
resources and form a
PAC.
Under the
leadership of Mike Thorne, AG-PAC was formalized in 1989. The original members
were diverse and represented 8 agricultural and natural resource industries. We
needed to be credible and precise. We were competing with some of the largest
PAC's in the state, but were determined to let our voice be heard.
Over the
past 15 years, we have progressed. AG-PAC has become a powerful underlying
force for protecting the interests of the natural resource-based economies.
Today
we can look at legislative successes, a situation not possible a decade ago.
After years
of neglect by most Oregon legislators, agriculture, forestry and the natural
resource industries are now being recognized for what they are - a leading
factor and a stabilizing influence to the
Oregon economy. |
AG-PAC's
success has been a very pleasant surprise to some and a
consternation to those, in
Oregon,
who oppose us. It has been a clear demonstration of what is possible through
unification. That solidarity has brought stunning legislative results:
*
Appropriation of $13 million new dollars for desperately needed agricultural
research and development programs.
* Prohibition of local government regulation of pesticides and other agri-chemicals.
* Passage of pesticide reporting legislation protecting your privacy and rights,
while avoiding a very costly campaign to defeat a radical ballot initiative.
* Protection of state water rights for agricultural and natural
resource use.
AG-PAC also opposed or supported ballot measures in your interest. AG-PAC
supported campaigns to defeat Measure 38 (the water fencing initiative) and
Measure 64 (timber management restrictions).
Bottom line: AG-PAC is part of your arsenal against forces that would
destroy your livelihood and your way of life!!
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