In Oregon’s capital city of Salem, businesses are feeling the impact of federal funding cuts and freezes under the Trump administration. Farmers, food banks, and conservation programs are all struggling to continue their work in the face of uncertainty and reduced resources. Marion Polk Food Share Executive Director Rick Gaupo highlighted the increased demand for food assistance, with grocery prices rising and federal safety nets failing to keep up.
Local business owners, including Todd Severson of Chapul Farms and Nikita Vincent of Twig & Bloom Flower Farm, shared their stories of lost grants and halted projects due to funding cuts. The Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District is also facing setbacks in preserving native habitats and supporting Oregon wine country due to frozen federal grants.
Ben Verhoeven, president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, expressed concerns about job cuts affecting USDA inspectors at ports of entry, leading to delays in plant cuttings and impacting the nursery industry. Additionally, employee cuts at federal agencies like the USDA and NOAA are troubling for farmers who rely on their expertise for pesticide testing and weather forecasts.
These challenges have prompted calls for support from U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas and other lawmakers to address the impacts of federal funding cuts on businesses and communities in Oregon. As businesses and non-profits navigate uncertain times, the importance of restoring funding and support for essential programs has become increasingly urgent.
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