Dear Fellow Oregonian:

Jefferson County is the home of specialty seed crops. We raise 80% of the "baby carrot" seed for the US and 40% of the world seed crop. We are also home to 80% of the mint tea leaf production in the US and 25% of the world production.

We can deal with Mother Nature, farm prices and practices...but we must have farm ground to stay in business. A critical mass is necessary. In Oregon there are seven recognized farm areas for high value crops: Willamette Valley, Gorge, Southern Oregon, Union, Malheur, Klamath and Jefferson County's North Unit area in Central Oregon. These are precious areas that raise different crops and over time have adapted to what crops they raise and will continue to adapt as long as there is farm ground.

Do you want sprawling subdivisions as the new crop in the country or do you want to protect the farm ground and keep agriculture viable for another 150 years? Oregon was founded on agriculture and timber so now is the time for Oregonians to make a choice to keep Oregon viable for farming, ranching and forestry and reap the benefits of the vistas and views when driving throughout Oregon as well as enjoying the seasonal local crops from your own farmers.

The impacts of M37 are real and if M49 isn't passed to fix the fatal flaws, the 7,500 claims will just be the start...farmers that didn't file claims will be able to as the critical mass disappears to keep farming viable.