Who/What is Oregonians for Food & Shelter (OFS)?
Oregonians for Food and Shelter (OFS) is a pro-active, member-funded, grass roots coalition which works to protect the rights of natural resource based businesses in Oregon. Our primary focus is protecting those who responsibly use pest management products, soil nutrients and biotechnology from government over-regulation, however, we also get involved in a variety of other issues impacting farmers, foresters and urban businesses relating to natural resources.
OFS was founded in 1980 and have been of service to the natural resource and business communities since then. We are located in Salem and have a staff of three: Terry Witt as executive director; Paulette Pyle, director of grass roots; and Sandra Schukar, office manager. Both Paulette and Terry are registered lobbyists and spend full time during Oregon’s biennial legislative session watching out for the interests of OFS members.
We are governed by a 31-person, voluntary Board of Directors which is equally split between three basic categories: (1) forestry; (2) agriculture; and (3) pesticide/fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and applicators and other businesses. At all times there is one corporation officer from each of these three major groups. The Board Chair rotates among the same categories to maintain balance between all member types represented. OFS is supported solely by voluntary member contributions. Our financial support is roughly in equal thirds — 1/3 agriculture; 1/3 wood products; and 1/3 professional applicators/chemical and other businesses. Currently our grass roots member mailing list in Oregon tops 14,000.
OFS’s Mission Statement as shown on our masthead: A non-profit coalition to promote the efficient production of quality food and fiber while protecting human health, personal property and the environment, through the integrated, responsible use of pest management products, soil nutrients and biotechnology.
