Oregon Delegation Celebrates Federal Support for Oregon’s Hazelnut, Seafood Industries

Oregon Delegation Celebrates Federal Support for Oregon’s Hazelnut, Seafood Industries November 2, 2026 Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led Oregon Congressional Delegation members—including Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—to announce that after pressure from the delegation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase hazelnuts and Pacific Whiting fillets under the agency’s Section 32 purchase program . These purchases will benefit communities and rural economies across Oregon by supporting domestic production and distribution of these agricultural goods during periods of significant market disruption and economic uncertainty. “Our fisheries and farms deliver incredible products all around the world and are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Merkley, who led the Oregon delegation in pressing USDA to include hazelnuts and whiting in its latest food purchase. “This announcement ensures Oregon’s harvesters, processors, and producers will receive critical financial assistance needed to continue operating and providing services here in Oregon and beyond. I am elated the USDA has decided to make these purchases—this is a win for communities across our state.” “Iconic state industries like agriculture and fishing count on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do its job and support Oregonians working hard to keep producing their world-class goods,” said Wyden. “I’m glad the full-court press from the delegation has unlocked this win for Oregonians fishing Pacific whiting and growing hazelnuts.” “Oregonians know that hazelnuts and seafood are some of the state’s most popular and delicious products,” said Bonamici. “Our growers and producers work tirelessly and bolster the local economy. I’m glad the USDA is making this investment.” “These investments from the USDA will support the people who harvest, process and bring Pacific Whiting fish and hazelnuts to market,” said Hoyle . “By putting Oregon fishermen and farmers first, we’re boosting our coastal and rural economies.” “Oregon’s specialty crop growers are the backbone of our economy, but too many are struggling with rising costs and uncertain markets,” said Salinas. “In the Willamette Valley, generations of farmers have depended on the hazelnut industry for their livelihoods. That’s why I joined my colleagues in pushing USDA to purchase Oregon hazelnuts and Pacific whiting. These purchases will provide much-needed support for our growers and fishing communities while putting more Oregon-grown and Oregon-caught food onto kitchen tables. I’m proud we secured this win for Oregon producers, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our specialty crop farmers have the markets and resources they need to succeed.” “Oregon’s farmers and fishermen work hard to feed our communities, and they deserve a federal government that stands behind them,” said Dexter. “Our delegation pushed USDA to act, and these $34 million in purchases will support Oregon’s hazelnut growers and fishermen during a difficult economic stretch. This investment will help sustain local jobs, strengthen rural and coastal economies, and get nutritious food to families who need it.” “Our farmers are putting in the work every day to keep Oregon families fed,” said Bynum. “And they’re not just helping put food on the table, they’re keeping money with our families, creating good jobs close to home, and giving people what they need to put down roots here in Oregon. Money back in our state and with our farmers is a win-win.” Previously, Merkley and the Oregon delegation pressed the USDA to include Pacific whiting and Oregon hazelnuts , which account for 99 percent of hazelnuts produced in the United States, in this year’s Section 32 purchases. Following their efforts, the USDA announced it was purchasing $22 million in hazelnuts and $12 million in Pacific whiting. ###