Why I Joined the OAN

               I’ve recently become a member of the Oregon Association of Nurseries and wanted to share some of the benefits they bring as well as the REAL reason why I joined, which I’ll mention at the end of this article. 

The OAN is a trade organization focused on supporting the local nursery industry through advocacy, education, technical resources, promotion and marketing, as well as by fostering a community of nurseries, suppliers, etc. who support one another.  They do a lot of advocacy with the legislature, even training members how to participate in that advocacy. 

Advocacy

               During the 2024 phytophthora austrocedri discovery in Oregon, the affected nurseries reached out to the OAN for help and advice.  The OAN coordinated with other growers and brought everyone together at the FarWest Show to discuss the matter and raise awareness.  The pathogen was ultimately delisted but the federal government’s response cost the nurseries millions of dollars in lost sales.  The effect would have been more catastrophic without the OAN helping to raise awareness and advocating for the growers. 

Marketing

               Marketing is a huge branch of the OAN’s services.  They publish The Digger magazine online and in print.  They promote advertising.  They also operate job boards to help employers find qualified applicants within our specialized industry.  Moreover, they operate the NurseryGuide.org website which allows growers to list their crops online.  This allows busy buyers to connect with the right growers for their needs.

Events & Trade Shows

               I mentioned the FarWest Show earlier.  Of course, that is put on by the OAN as well.  They handle the advertising, coordinate with vendors, promote classes, arrange tours, and so much more that makes the event a great summer trade show.  Many consider the FarWest Show to be the unofficial kickoff for booking spring sales as 4000+ attendees come from across the USA and Canada to visit growers, increase their education, and further their businesses. 

               The FarWest is a good one but the OAN also supports MANTS, ProGreen, Utah Green, Idaho Hort, and more with their Trucks to Trade Shows program.  This allows growers to ship pallets of plants for their booth displays across the country conveniently and at an affordable price.  Most shippers like FERN refuse to ship live products so this coordination is extremely important!  If you’ve seen an Oregon grower at one of those trade shows, they likely used the OAN’s Trucks to Trade Shows program to get there.  

Why I Joined

               My reason for joining was something altogether separate from all of their benefits and services. I joined the OAN because of the team of people who operate their day-to-day operations.  These are professionals from all walks of life who have come together and work every day on behalf of the members.  These people genuinely care about others.  I’ve watched them go above and beyond to solve problems and support nurseries.  This is a relationship industry and it’s fitting that Oregon is represented by a team of people with such a heart for service. 

               If you aren’t already a member of the OAN, I’d encourage you to read their website oan.org or reach out to the team.  Still have doubts?  Come to the FarWest Show and experience what they’ve put together.  Visit the nurseryguide.com to see how they support actual sales, read The Digger magazine or website at diggermagazine.com... and if you ever find yourself in a jam, give them a call.  You’ll see what I mean.