CANBY, Ore. – Organizers behind a ballot measure that would ban livestock production, hunting and fishing in Oregon have submitted signatures beyond the required threshold.
According to the Oregon Farm Bureau, Initiative Petition 28 would eliminate meat, dairy and animal protein production in the state. The measure also targets hunting, fishing and other agricultural activities.
Sen. Christine Drazan, a Republican from Canby running for Oregon Governor, said the measure is an attack on Oregon’s way of life. “IP 28 is an all out assault on Oregonians’ way of life pushed by Tina Kotek’s allies,” Drazan said. “It criminalizes ranchers, farmers, meat producers and threatens to kill thousands of jobs.”
Drazan said the measure would end hunting and fishing traditions in Oregon. She said it would also hurt natural resource-based industries that support those activities.
The Oregon Farm Bureau said the measure would force Oregon to ship food in from other states or countries. This would increase food costs, undermine food security and make Oregon dependent on outside supply chains.
Drazan said families already struggling would face rising food costs and job losses. “This is Tina Kotek’s Oregon, where agenda-driven political ideologues crush families who are already struggling,” she said.
The signatures submitted have not been verified. The measure would put thousands of Oregonians out of work, according to the Oregon Farm Bureau.