PRESS ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2025

Contact:
Kaleb Lay, Oregon Rural Action Director of Policy & Research
kalebl@oregonrural.org; (541) 805-8651

Getting the Facts on Fertilizer:
February 4 Public Hearing on SB 747

Senate Natural Resources & Wildfire Committee – Tuesday, February 4, 1:00 PM

Salem, OR – On Tuesday, February 4, at 1:00 PM, the Senate Natural Resources & Wildfire Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 747, a bill that establishes basic reporting requirements for fertilizer applications on large farms (200+ irrigated acres). Currently, Oregon collects no data on fertilizer use, leaving agencies unable to protect drinking water, support farmers, and improve efficiency in agricultural operations.

Why SB 747 Matters

Oregon’s largest farms control nearly 80% of irrigated farmland, and excessive fertilizer use contributes to nitrate contamination in drinking water, harmful algal blooms, and greenhouse gas emissions. SB 747 closes this critical data gap by requiring large farms to report annual fertilizer use to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. This will enable the state to:

•  Protect Oregon’s drinking water from nitrate contamination affecting rural communities.

• Improve agricultural efficiency by helping farmers reduce fertilizer waste and cut costs.

• Prevent runoff into rivers and lakes, safeguarding aquatic life and ecosystems.

• Reduce climate pollution, as fertilizer use is a major source of nitrous oxide emissions.

Who Should Attend?

Farmers, environmental advocates, public health experts, and community members concerned about water quality, agriculture, and public health are encouraged to attend and provide testimony.

Chief Sponsor: Senator Khanh Pham

Co-Sponsors: Senators Jeff Golden, Kathleen Taylor, James Manning Jr., Deb Patterson, Lew Frederick, and Representatives Mark Gamba, Andrea Valderrama, Ricki Ruiz, and Courtney Neron