Gov. Kotek announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has determined that losses during the 2023 crop year due to multiple weather events in nine counties across the state warrant a Secretarial natural disaster designation

Astoria, OR – According to the state officials, this determination was made in response to a September 2023 request from Governor Kotek that outlined the impacts of the weather events, such as the Oregon cherry harvest.

The available harvest data showed a 35% loss due to poor fruit set.

Under the first designation, defined as excessive rain that occurred starting on July 7, 2023, Hood River County is listed as a primary county.

Clackamas, Multnomah and Wasco counties have been designated as contingent counties.

Governor Kotek reportedly said:

“Oregon farmers faced serious economic losses during last year’s crop season. Our agriculture community is invaluable to Oregon, feeding families across the state. This designation is critical to ensure that farmers are able to receive support from the federal government in recuperating those losses.”