Virtual InFARMation
InFARMation: Pasture to Plate - Breaking Down Small Scale Meat Processing
Zoom Meeting
Thursday, June 25th 6:30-8:00pm
Join us on the evening of Thursday June 25th at 6:30 pm to hear from farmers and processors about the ins and outs of small scale processing options, how the pandemic has impacted processing for small farmers and a discussion of how to make positive changes to this system in our state.
Oregon’s pasture based farmers have been hard at work during this pandemic (and always!) raising poultry, beef, pork, bison, and more in a way that respects the animals, the land, the water and air resources, and their community. Demand for locally produced, ethically raised food is higher than ever. Many farmers are welcoming new customers and selling out! But with folks clamoring for meat from small producers, a bigger issue is coming to light.
There are layers of rules on the federal and state level that dictate where farmers are able to bring their meat to process for certain markets. This web of regulation has severely limited the number of processors in Oregon and has cut down on butchering options for small farmers for years. The increased demand during the pandemic, coupled with competition from out of state animals coming to Oregon’s facilities has put our state’s farmers and ranchers in an unprecedented bind. Without sufficient processing options, even if a farmer has customers lined up out the door, they can’t bring their meat to market.
This event will be hosted by FoFF’s Oregon Pasture Network Manager Alice Morrison. We will start the evening with an overview of the OPN and discussion of how to connect directly with pastured animal farms and ranches in your area.