Oregon is home to a vast and diverse agriculture industry, producing over 220 different commodities each year. Oregon consistently ranks as one of the country’s top producers of hazelnuts, grass seed, Christmas trees, pears, onions, and berries, among other commodities.
History
Long before surveyed boundaries existed to create what has come to be known as Oregon, thousands of indigenous peoples, speaking scores of different languages, lived in harmony with nature here.
All the elements of modern-day Oregon's agriculture — from its diversity and abundance to its trade value and processing — were present in one form or another some 200 years ago when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark took their bold journey into the unknown west as part of an expedition that shaped the future of the United States.
For Oregon's Centennial of Statehood in 1959, the Oregon Historical Society created a program to honor families who have maintained a working farm continuously for 100 years or more.
Known as the
Century Farm Program, more than 1,100 farms in Oregon have now been enrolled.
Read more about the
history of Oregon agriculture.
Statistics & Facts
Oregon leads the nation in hazelnut and grass seed production, earning the nickname of “Grass Seed Capital of the World.” The state consistently ranks as a top producer of Christmas trees, berries, onions, sweet cherries, hops, and potatoes within the United States. Greenhouse and nursery stock is Oregon’s highest earning commodity, with a value of production of over $1.2 billion in 2022.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, produces several reports and publications detailing the latest statistics and trends in Oregon agriculture.
For more information on agricultural statistics, contact Dennis Kong (dennis.koong@usda.gov) at
Oregon NASS.
About Oregon Products
Oregon’s nearly 40,000 farms and ranches produce more than 220 different products. In addition, Oregon’s fishing fleet sustainably harvests a mix of seafood products. The 12 information sheets provide more information about several of the many products that come from Oregon agriculture. These informational sheets about Oregon products are also available in other languages.
Oregon blueberries earn a well-deserved reputation
for consistent quality, making them a top commodity
from this state. The merger between reputation and
increased public awareness of their health benefits has
bolstered demand across Oregon and around the world.
Oregon growers have risen to the occasion – producing
exponentially more blueberries in Oregon. These
delicious blue gems are Oregon’s leading berry crop.
Fact Sheets
With hues from bold red to deep purple, Oregon raspberries, blackberries and related berries are prized for
their tangy, sweet flavors and health benefits. Oregon
produces the most blackberries, marionberries and
black raspberries of any U.S. State. Commercial farms
have expanded upon the Oregon-native species of
blackberries and raspberries to offer the rich selection
that customers enjoy today.
Fact Sheets
Oregon has cultivated a proud reputation for its berries. Leading the way with blueberries, blackberries, marionberries, and raspberries, Oregon also produces cranberries, strawberries, kiwi berries, gooseberries, and currants. Western Oregon’s fertile soil and temperate climate are perfect for berries.
Fact Sheets
Oregon sets the bar for Christmas tree production in
the United States. More than 4 million Christmas trees
(30% of national production) originate in Oregon.
Christmas trees are grown on 1000 farms all located
in the western half of the state, where climate, soil,
and experience set the precedent for cultivating this
beloved holiday symbol.
People usually think of farm crops on an annual
harvest cycle. Instead, it takes years to grow straight
and well-rounded Christmas trees to a size suitable
for harvest.
Fact Sheets
Oregon has built a global reputation for
producing top quality and large volumes of
grass seed. Landscapers, golf courses, sports
fields, and livestock managers around the world
rely on premium seed originating from Oregon.
As natural grass has regained popularity
over artificial turf for golf courses, backyards,
and professional sports fields, Oregon has
expanded capacity to meet this increasing
global demand.
Fact Sheets
Oregon stands out in the country for its production
of hazelnuts. Nestled between the Cascade
Mountains and Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s Willamette
Valley boasts fertile soils rich in volcanic ash,
abundant rainfall and a temperate climate, which
creates the unique growing region for these healthy
and delicious nuts. Thus, more than 99% of U.S.
hazelnuts come from Oregon, placing hazelnuts
among the top ten agriculture commodities for the
state.
Fact Sheets
Oregon is among the top three hop producing
states in the nation, by the number of acres
planted in hops. Most Oregon hops are grown in
the Willamette Valley which is known for its mild
climate, rich soil, and abundant rainfall. This special
region is ideal for producing high-quality aromatype hops that are favored by craft brewers across
the country and around the world.
Fact Sheets
Oregon onions will only make you cry for joy.
With 400 farms growing many varieties and sizes
of onions, Oregon is the leading storage onion
producing state and among the top 3 producers
of onions overall in the United States. Most onions
are cultivated in the Snake River Valley in eastern
Oregon. One-third of the nation’s storage onions
and some of the world’s largest onions are grown
in this valley that stretches into Idaho.
Fact Sheets
Potatoes are Oregon’s state vegetable. With 376
farms spanning 45,000 acres (18,200 hectares),
Oregon grows more potatoes than any other
vegetable: 2.75 billion pounds (1.2 billion kilos) in
2023. Oregon is the 4th largest state in U.S. potato
production.
Potatoes can be roasted, baked, boiled, or fried. They
are enjoyed in many ways: skin-on or peeled, whole
or cut up, with seasonings or without, hot or cold, as
part of the main dish or a tasty side dish. Versatile
potatoes have become part of many cuisines around
the world.
Most Oregon potatoes (about 80%) are processed
into frozen products, potato chips, or dehydrated
potato products. On a national level, 39% of potatoes
are frozen, 26% are fresh, 22% become chips, and 7%
are dehydrated.
Fact Sheets
Oregon ranks among the top 10 states in the
U.S. for producing processed vegetables for
two powerful reasons. First, Oregon’s mild
climate and rich soil encourages abundant
cultivation. Second, vegetable processing
facilities have been established across the
state to ensure the freshest produce is
processed to maintain quality through drying,
freezing, and canning.
Fact Sheets
Oregon’s diverse agricultural landscape offers a
bountiful selection of tree fruits, each celebrated
for its exceptional quality and flavor profile.
From juicy pears to succulent peaches, Oregon’s
tree fruit industry stands as a testament to the
state’s fertile soil and favorable climate. Here’s
a closer look at some of Oregon’s most beloved
tree fruits.
Fact Sheets
Oregon is home to 1,116 wineries with more than
40,000 acres (16,187 hectares) of vineyards. Most
Oregon wineries are small with 70% producing less
than 2,000 cases. Although Oregon’s wine grape
production and resulting wines continue to expand,
Oregon remains small in scale. In fact, Oregon
only accounts for 1% of the wine production in the
U.S. Yet, its very special wine earned 20% of Wine
Spectator’s 90+ ratings.
Fact Sheets
Teacher Resources & School Programs
It has never been more important for students and teachers to understand agriculture and all that it does for our communities around the state. Farmers, ranchers, and fishermen produce the food that’s served on our tables and the fibers that form the clothes we wear.
Explore the following publications, programs, and resources aimed at increasing students’ knowledge and understanding of Oregon’s agriculture industry.
Resources
About ODA
About Oregon agriculture