Oregon Nurseries Say Storms Damaged Greenhouses

Oregon nurseries say winter storms have done a number on some greenhouses, and the damage to plants won’t be known fully until spring.

The Oregon Association of Nurseries said it is surveying members so it can give loss estimates to state and federal officials.

The association says that at a seedling operation in Molalla, more than a foot of snow and ice crushed 72 of 84 greenhouses. Another operator estimated structure and equipment loss at more than $1 million.

It said damage to plants in the Willamette Valley is likely to be significant, but will be totted up only when it’s time for them to emerge from dormancy.

The association says horticultural sales amount to more than $1 billion a year, the largest sector in Oregon agriculture.