The Oregon Department of Agriculture announces the premiere issue of a new magazine, Growing Oregon: A guide to the state’s agriculture, food and markets with the publication targeting potential buyers of the state’s products. The magazine provides a comprehensive look at Oregon farmers, ranchers, and fishermen as well as food processing. The publication also pairs with a website that provides a digital magazine and tablet friendly versions. ODA has worked with nationally recognized publisher Journal Communications to produce the magazine. No public funds were used in the production of the magazine, which was supported through advertising by Oregon commodity commissions, agricultural organizations, and private companies. “With the tremendous diversity of our agriculture and fisheries, we have a lot to offer for those interested in buying our products,” says ODA Director Katy Coba. “Growing Oregon will be a great resource and marketing tool to showcase the business of Oregon food and agriculture. I believe it will be well received and I’m excited to see the response.” The 53-page magazine features original photography, reader-friendly charts and graphs, and profiles of individual farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and companies. Articles focus on Oregon’s top agricultural sectors as well as innovations in technology and research. ODA will use the magazine in direct mailings, trade shows, consumer venues, and to connect with Oregon’s decision makers. Copies will also be distributed to Oregon businesses and organizations connected to agriculture and fisheries. “We will distribute the magazine to a variety of audiences that we are confident will want to purchase Oregon food and agriculture products,” says Coba. “The publication can also be a great supplement to a company’s or organization’s own marketing and promotional efforts.” Growing Oregon will debut at three events where potential buyers of Oregon’s agricultural products and industry influencers will gather. These events, happening the week of September 15th, are Fine Food Australia in Melbourne, which is Australia’s largest food industry expo; Feast Portland’s media room reaching food writers from across the US; and 15 food service, retail, and baking industry buyers from China seeking products from Oregon. A digital version of Growing Oregon: A guide to the state’s agriculture, food and markets is available at <http://www.OR-agriculture.com>. ODA plans to make the magazine an annual publication.
