Associated Oregon Hazelnut Industries presents Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici 2018 Legislative Champion award for leadership on Chinese agricultural tariffs

Aug 7, 2018

HUBBARD, OR, August 7, 2018 – Former Oregon State Senator, Larry George, president of George Packing Company, and Vice President of Northwest Hazelnut Company, will present Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-Dist. 1) with an award in appreciation of her extraordinary efforts on behalf of the Oregon hazelnut industry.

The award, titled The 2018 Legislative Champion award, is being presented by George on behalf of Associated Oregon Hazelnut Industries. The presentation will take place in a private meeting at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon, on Wednesday, August 8, at 3:30 p.m.

Bonamici will be recognized and appreciated in the private presentation for her extraordinary efforts on behalf of the Oregon hazelnut industry to promote international trade and diplomacy. She led the charge in authoring a letter to officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and she coordinated the signing of the letter by Oregon’s congressional delegation including, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Congresspersons Earl Blumenauer, Peter Defazio, Kurt Schrader and Greg Walden. The letter urged trade and agriculture officials to seek elimination or a substantial reduction of China’s burdensome tariffs on Oregon inshell and shelled hazelnuts.

Approximately 30 select industry leaders and hazelnut growers will be in attendance and Congresswoman Bonamici will have the opportunity to discuss trade and tariffs and hear from growers about the impacts on the local hazelnut industry.

About: Northwest Hazelnut Company (www.hazelnuts.com) with its sister company, George Packing Company (www.georgepacking.com), make up the largest processors and marketers of hazelnuts in North America. As the first 100% solar powered hazelnut processing plant in the world, Northwest Hazelnut Company leads the way in new technologies, processes and training. Each year, the company expands into new markets with new products and stands poised for the future growth of Oregon’s hazelnut production.