News release: Oregon commodity commissions seek to fill vacancies

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is recruiting for applicants to fill openings on four commodity commissions. ODA is seeking applications for positions on the following commissions:

· Oregon Albacore Commission - processor/handler

· Oregon Wheat Commission - public member

· Oregon Sheep Commission - producer

· Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission - 2 growers, 1 handler

To qualify to serve as a commissioner, an applicant must be an Oregon resident, a US citizen, and have an active interest in improving the positive economic development of that particular commodity.

The Albacore Commission opening is to fill a term through June 30, 2018 created by the resignation of Christa Svensson. Albacore processor/handler applicants may be involved in marketing or dealing in albacore as an owner, agent, employee, or broker and must have collected the assessment for the last three consecutive years on albacore tuna. The commission has a total of nine members: two are processors, five are fishers, one is a public member. They meet at least quarterly in person in various locations including Astoria, Newport, Coos Bay, and Brookings. The commission is administered by a one-person professional staff in Lincoln City.

The Wheat Commission public member position will complete a term through June 30, 2020 created by the resignation of Greg Borossay. A public member can't be associated with producing, handling, or selling wheat. The commission has eight members: two handlers, five growers, and a public member. They meet at least quarterly at locations throughout the state. The commission has a three-person professional staff located in Portland.

The Sheep Commission consists of eight members: five who raise sheep, one involved in the sale or marketing, and a public member. The commission office is in Salem.

The Processed Vegetable Commission has 11 members: seven grow greens beans, sweet corn, carrots, broccoli and/or cauliflower; three represent processors of those vegetables; and a public member. The commission office is in Portland. Meetings are frequently held in Salem.

Oregon's 23 commodity commissions have legislative authority to collect an assessment from harvesters/producers of a particular commodity. Voluntary service as an Oregon commodity commissioner is an important leadership role for members of the state's commercial fishing and agricultural industries, as well as for members of the public.

Albacore and Wheat commissioners are reimbursed for travel and receive a nominal stipend for days spent on commission business.

The director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture appoints all commodity commissioners. The Director's decision is based on a number of factors such as - but not limited to - candidate experience and commitment to service as well as industry input and counsel.

To apply, find the application at <https://oda.direct/OCC >. Send completed applications to the address shown on the top of the form. Applications for Albacore and Wheat must be received by February 15 to be considered. Direct any questions to Kris Anderson, manager of the Oregon Department of Agriculture's commodity commission oversight program, 503-872-6600