Oregon grass takes root at the World Cup

By the numbers: The Willamette Valley is known as the "grass seed capital of the world" and produces roughly two-thirds of the cool-season grasses in the country.

• There are roughly 1,500 grass seed farms in Oregon, accounting for around $640 million in production.
• Grass seed — mostly annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, bentgrass and fine fescue — is the state's fourth-largest agricultural commodity, according to Oregon State University.

Between the lines: Even though some of the World Cup pitches are at stadiums that use artificial turf for other sports, FIFA has mandated all fields be natural grass to ensure player safety.

What they're saying: Oregon's superior grass isn't just about the climate, though, according to Oregon Seed Council's second vice president, Rachel Hankins.

• "It's not just that we have the best environment for growing it, we also have the best growers and the experience and knowledge to have quality grass seed," Hankins told OPB.
• Oregon is home to several "world-class breeding facilities," Hankins said, that create varieties that use less water, resist disease and regenerate faster.

The bottom line: Portlanders may not be able to spot any local players on the U.S. team, but we can still take in the matches knowing we played our part.