Summer Membership Drive

It is our 15th Anniversary! We’ve made a lot of progress connecting people to pasture raised meats and vegetables grown on regenerative farms, hosting events that enlighten and question our viewpoints, helping farmers and ranchers find land, and rallying people to speak up for family farms and rural economies to our legislators. We are still the preeminent voice for small and mid-sized socially-responsible farmers in Oregon. When we come together, we can build an Oregon where our local food system is dominated by thriving, regenerative family farms.

Thank you so much for your support and helping us kick off our 2020 membership drive with a bang! During the months of July and August, we welcome all new members with gifts of at least $5/month (or $60/year) with unique FoFF-themed swag. 

Family Farms Survey Results Are In!

THANK YOU you to all the farmers, ranchers, eaters, and advocates who filled out our 2020 Oregon Family Farms Survey. This information will help us frame our advocacy and programming for the next two years, including Oregon's 2021 Legislative Session. 

Farmers Connecting with Other Farmers 

We warmly invite producers to join our Virtual Farmer Chats, July 13th and 27th from 7:30 to 9:00pm, where we will continue to discuss Racial and Food Justice. We want to create a space for farmers to talk with each other about how we can dismantle the mechanisms that oppress our fellow farmers, neighbors, and friends. All farmers, ranchers and farmworkers are welcome.

Racial Justice and Agriculture

Friends of Family Farmers is committed to being actively anti-racist, particularly where food justice intersects with racial justice. In addition to our year-long deep dive into diversity, equity and inclusion with Capacity Building Partnerships, we have begun to gather agricultural-related racial justice resources. This is a working draft so if you have any resources to share, please email brittney@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org.

OFL Pilot Program Update

Oregon Farm Link (OFL) and partners from the OCFSN BFR group launched a year-long pilot program to document the need for more technical assistance in accessing land and land transition. A trio of young farmers were chosen to participate and together we have been exploring all aspects of leasing and purchasing farmland. 

And now….meet the Landseekers! Kylie, Meara and Travis share a vision to run a diversified farm including flowers, seed, and raising livestock while stewarding the land through responsible management. They are still searching for land so please share far and wide with your networks.

State Meat Inspection Bill Passes

The legislature convened the First Special Session of 2020 in late June and one of the bills that became law was HB4206, which authorizes the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture to adopt rules establishing a state inspection of a meat program. FoFF tracked the bill and provided testimony.

FoFF's New Policy Director

Amy attended Lewis & Clark Law School, earning a certificate in Environment and Natural Resources Law, with a focus on regenerative agriculture. She previously advocated on behalf of a coalition of nonprofit organizations seeking legislative and agency protections for Oregon’s vegetable specialty seed industry. Prior to law school and working in food policy, Amy was a travel and food writer. When not visiting farmers or walking the halls of Salem, Amy enjoys cooking with seasonal produce, gardening, and spending time outside. We are so fortunate to have her on our team!