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| September 29, 2006 |
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Governor assures Oregonians local spinach is safe
Governor encourages consumers to buy locally grown spinach
Salem, Oregon—Because of the national recall of bagged spinach from farms in California, Oregon’s Governor Ted Kulongoski today encouraged Oregonians to buy and eat spinach grown in Oregon.
“Locally grown spinach is safe and healthful, and I encourage all Oregonians to continue to eat this nutritious food,” the Governor said. “Spinach offers great health benefits, and buying produce from local farms and farmers’ markets helps our economy and creates jobs.”
Distributors across the country recalled bagged spinach from grocery stores several weeks ago after an E-coli outbreak. Oregon health officials, however, have deemed locally grown spinach safe to eat.
In Oregon, most farmers’ markets operate throughout the summer and into early fall, the Governor said. Many will continue stay open for a few more weeks, if not longer.
At the height of the farmers’ market season, the Governor declared Aug. 6-12 to be “Farmers Market Week” in Oregon. In the official proclamation, the Governor reminded Oregonians that over 78 farmers markets have operated in Oregon in 2006, and the number of farmers markets have more than doubled in the past 10 years.
In Oregon, farmers’ markets provide stable incomes for more than 1,000 family-owned farms in Oregon. The state estimates that more than 90,000 Oregonians visit local farms and farmers’ markets each week during the season.
“One of the great things about Oregon is the diversity of our farmland,” the Governor said. “We are lucky to live in a state that can sustain itself by growing so many different kinds of crops. Spinach is a shining example of produce we can buy locally.”
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin: 503.378.6169
Charlie Burr: 503.378.6496
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