ODA, Ohio Christmas Tree Association Send Christmas Trees to Troops Overseas

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is sending holiday cheer to our military members stationed overseas through Operation Evergreen, now in its 30^th year.

ODA partners each year with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) to package dozens of Ohio-grown Christmas trees, along with homemade holiday decorations and cards. This year, approximately 50 trees will be sent to military personnel serving in Kuwait.

"Sending a piece of home overseas let's our service men and women know they are in our thoughts," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Our farmers grow the best trees, and it is a privilege to contribute to this special event each year. We hope these Christmas trees and wishes of appreciation bring joy and cheer this holiday season."

Tree growers from across the state donate their products to Operation Evergreen. The annual event is held on ODA's Reynoldsburg campus, where trees are inspected for pests and diseases by ODA's Plant Health inspectors and then wrapped, and packaged with the help of local volunteers and students. The trees will be issued a phytosanitary certificate for international shipment from inspectors.

Decorations are handmade and donated by local schools, churches, and veterans' groups. The Ohio Christmas Tree Association is composed of Christmas tree growers from across the state committed to promoting the industry and giving back to the community through programs like Operation Evergreen. OCTA has delivered Christmas trees to Ohio troops stationed overseas since 1995.

Operation Evergreen is sponsored by OCTA with the help of UPS.

Food and agriculture is Ohio's number one industry, adding $124 billion to the economy each year and providing Ohioans with 1 in 8 jobs. Ohio farmers grow or raise more than 200 different kinds of crops and livestock, and the state is also home to approximately 1,000 food processing companies.