Oregon farmer John Langdon champions energy and food production innovation

The House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss innovative agricultural practices and their potential to address both food and energy production in Oregon. The meeting featured testimony from John Langdon, a fourth-generation farmer from Harrisburg, who emphasized the importance of integrating energy production with traditional farming.

Langdon highlighted his unique position as one of Oregon's only rice growers, advocating for a collaborative approach to farming that combines food and energy production. He noted that many regions, particularly in Europe, have successfully adopted such practices, but Oregon has lagged behind. He expressed concern that current efforts to preserve farmland may inadvertently favor larger corporate farms over smaller, innovative farmers.

A key point in Langdon's testimony was the concept of "innovation dollars," which he described as income generated from energy production that could be reinvested into farming practices. He argued that these funds would allow farmers to experiment with new techniques and technologies without the fear of financial ruin if their ventures do not succeed. This approach could enable farmers to improve their operations sustainably and contribute to meeting energy demands.

Langdon's testimony underscored the need for policy changes that empower farmers to innovate and adapt to changing agricultural and energy landscapes. The committee's discussions reflected a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of food and energy systems and the potential for farmers to play a pivotal role in addressing climate challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of supporting local farmers in their efforts to innovate and adapt, setting the stage for future discussions on policies that could facilitate this integration. The next steps will likely involve exploring legislative measures that promote sustainable agricultural practices while addressing energy needs in Oregon.