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The Oregon Wheat Commission begins with The Eastern Oregon Wheat League (later known as the Oregon Wheat Growers League).  The OWGL was formed in 1926 and was the first organization of its kind formed in the United States for purpose of supporting a specific commodity. 

As the domestic market began to decline and the export market exceeded expectations it became necessary to promote Pacific Northwest Wheat in the overseas markets.  In 1946 this industrious group realized the need for marketing surplus wheat that was not needed in this country for food, feed, and seed.  The dilemma was how to finance this marketing endeavor.  In 1946 a committee was formed to prepare a report on “Wheat Disposal and Market Development.”  The adoption of this report by the OWGL culminated with the signing of legislative statute in 1947 forming the first Commodity Commission in the nation.   This statute authorized a self imposed producer tax be placed on each bushel of wheat at first point of sale.  These funds would now be used for marketing, research, and education in support of the wheat industry in the State of Oregon. 

The commission continues to operate under the Oregon Department of Agriculture funded by wheat growers and governed by five wheat producers and one public member.  The sole purpose of the Commission is to improve the profitability of Oregon wheat growers.