Christine Drazan pledges to address Oregon agricultural policy issues

Oregon gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan has criticized a perceived disconnect between state politicians and the agricultural industry. Drazan argued that while policymakers may appreciate the aesthetic value of farms, they often fail to implement necessary public policy to strengthen farming operations.

Drazan highlighted her opposition to a proposed agricultural workforce standards board, which farm organizations feared would impose stringent regulations without voter accountability. The concept was eventually replaced by a study of existing labor protections.

Additionally, Drazan expressed a desire to find a bipartisan solution to reform 2022 legislation that phases out overtime exemptions for agricultural workers. The law gradually reduces the threshold for time-and-a-half pay, moving from 55 hours per week in 2023 toward 40 hours per week by next year. Drazan noted that these changes have led to reduced work hours for farmworkers and may discourage employment within the state's agricultural sector.