Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Oregon Meadowfoam Growers Association Cooperative Representative, Charles Ortiz
ABOUT CHARLES ORTIZ
Charles Ortiz is the Oregon Meadowfoam Growers Association (OMGA) Cooperative representative on the Oregon Seed Council Board of Directors. Charles is an OSC Past President, and serves on multiple OSC Committees. In addition, Charles chairs the OSC Scholarship Committee and contributes to the industry’s public relation efforts, by helping make OSC’s Exhibit at the Annual Oregon AgFest a great success.
ABOUT OREGON MEADOWFOAM GROWERS ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
OMGA Cooperative is a meadow farm seed production and vegetable oil production cooperative based in the Willamette Valley. OMGA formed Natural Plant Products, Inc. (NPP) as their marketing subsidiary. NPP markets Meadowfoam seed oil domestically and worldwide. OMGA consists of almost 50 member farms all dedicated to the sound production of meadowfoam and daikon radish seeds.
WHAT INTERESTS CHARLES IN THE SEED INDUSTRY
When asked what interests Charles in the seed industry, he says he most enjoys “helping farmers.” Charles’ interest in volunteerism and supporting farmers shows. He is heavily engaged in policy discussions and helping the next generations learn about the importance of agriculture.
WHAT DOES CHARLES LOVE ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL
When asking Charles what he loves about the Oregon Seed Council, Charles says that he loves the “sense of cooperation” it brings to the industry.
WHAT CHARLES SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL
In the Oregon Seed Council’s future, Charles sees a “continued success being an industry problem solving leader.”
WHAT CHARLES WISHES PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE SEED INDUSTRY AND THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL
When asked what Charles wishes people knew about the Oregon Seed Council and Oregon seed industry, Charles wishes people knew “how hard the Oregon Seed Council and the seed industry as a whole work to find solutions for seed industry problems.”
HOW CHARLES GOT INVOLVED IN THE SEED INDUSTRY
Charles got an early start in the agricultural industry through moving irrigation pipes as a youth, which led him to to love and learn more about the industry and lead him to where he is now.
WHAT CHARLES DOES OUTSIDE OF THE SEED INDUSTRY
When not working, Charles can be found gardening.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Oregon Seed Council Executive Director
