David Buchanan, a fourth-generation farmer, raises hazelnuts and wine grapes near Corvallis in the fertile Willamette Valley. He is working to pass Measure 49 because he feels it will protect unique and valuable farmland for all Oregonians.

"Measure 37 turned out to be a Machiavellian masquerade. I was confused by Measure 37 and a lot of people didn't know what the hell they were voting for. Measure 37 is about developing farm and forest land and it is unfair to all Oregon taxpayers," David says.

"The part that a lot of people really don't understand is the unique nature of the farmland in the Willamette Valley. You have some of the best crop-growing soils in the world. Secondly, the high number of frost-free days means you can grow more than 200 different kinds of crops. And the 40 inches of rain per year means salt deposits--a byproduct of long-term irrigation--are washed from the growing soils,” David says.

Salt deposits, also known as salinization, are ruining rich farmland in many drier climates all over the United States. California's San Joaquin Valley, long considered our nation's salad bowl--is one such place where salinization is ruining soil to the point where crops don't grow very well.

"Willamette Valley farmland is precious, not only for us but for feeding future generations," David says. His daughter is the fifth-generation to farm in the family.

“I am really proud of her," he says. David is hopeful that one of his two granddaughters will be drawn to working the rich, productive soil.

"Why would Oregon voters allow a handful of developers to make a lot of money and risk the health of the state to produce food and fiber for future generations," David asks.

"I really think the voters got fooled with Measure 37. That is why it is so important to pass Measure 49. The election this November will affect our kids, our grandkids, the future our society and ultimately our legacy to this land."