Oregon blueberry growers are featured in the premiere issue of a new magazine, Growing Oregon.

The magazine, a guide to Oregon’s agriculture, is targeted to potential buyers of Oregon agricultural products. It was published by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), which paid for it by advertisements taken out by Oregon agricultural commodity commissions and associations.

The 53-page magazine provides an overview of Oregon farmers, ranchers and fishermen, as well as food processors. The publication also pairs with a website that provides a digital magazine and tablet friendly versions.

ODA worked with Journal Communications out of Tennessee to produce the magazine. No public funds were used, ODA spokesman Bruce Pokarney said.

“With the tremendous diversity of our agriculture and fisheries, we have a lot to offer for those interested in buying our products,” ODA Director Katy Coba said. “Growing Oregon will be a great resource and marketing tool to showcase the business of Oregon food and agriculture.”

ODA will use the magazine in direct mailings, trade shows, consumer venues and to connect with Oregon decision makers, Pokarney said. Copies also will be distributed to Oregon businesses and organizations connected to agriculture and fisheries.

“The publication can be a great supplement to a company’s or organization’s own marketing and promotional efforts,” Coba said.

In the section on berries the publication mentions that the Malensky family of Oregon Berry Packing has grown and supplied many varieties of quality berries for 66 years.

“The family focuses on freshness and the ability to trace a berry from the field to the customer’s mouth,” the publication notes.

It also notes that Oregon Berry Packing buys berries from 14 other farmers to help meet the demand in U.S. and Asian markets and that fresh market berries can ship to arrive the day after they are harvested.

Doug Krahmer of Berries Northwest is quoted saying that Oregon produces the best blueberry. “Obviously I’m a little bit biased, but I think they have the best taste,” he says.

The department plans to publish five issues of Growing Oregon magazine, putting out one each year through 2018, Pokarney said.

To see the magazine online, go to www.OR-agriculture.com and click on the image.