Grass seed farming is vital to Oregon’s economy. In 2009, farm gate value of grass seed was more than $300 million. Prior to the current recession, the anual value of grass seed exceeded $500 million. Most of that money flows into Oregon from out of state.

• Overall, grass seed farming drives more than $1 billion of economic activity annually in Oregon.
• There are approximately 1,500 grass seed farms in Oregon, employing about 10,000 Oregonians.
• All but 1 percent to 2 percent of the grass seed produced in Oregon is sold out of state. From 12 percent to 15 percent is exported internationally to nearly 60 countries worldwide.
• Grass seed farming is the fifth-largest agricultural crop in Oregon. The Willamette Valley has more acreage in grass seed than all other agricultural uses combined.
• There are approximately 500,000 acres of grass seed farmland in Oregon. Of these, about 90% are located in the Willamette Valley.
• Grass seed grown in Oregon is used worldwide for reclamation projects, landscaping, athletic fields, golf courses, parks and lawns, as well as for agricultural purposes and pastureland.