Growing food for the world is an important part of Oregon’s legacy and economy. Farmers and ranchers work hard to produce premium crops and commodities and take pride in seeing them go to market across the globe.

Measure 118 would significantly drive up the costs of producing food, making it harder for Oregon businesses to compete in the global market while making groceries more expensive for families right here in Oregon.

The 3% tax on sales in Measure 118 affects every step of the production and sales chain, from raw materials to manufacturing to packaging to distribution to the retailer. That multiplies the tax on products grown, processed, and sold in Oregon by the time they reaches the grocery store. Is this really the right time to be bumping inflation?

The tax also makes Oregon products more expensive on the open market and will make it hard for Oregon businesses to compete.

I’m greatly concerned about the chilling effect Measure 118 would have on our economy and the way of life for people who own and work in agriculture.

Please join me in voting “no” on Measure 118.

Fred Ziari

Hermiston

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