Sustainable Agriculture Advocacy Day - May 29  The 2019 Oregon Legislative is past the halfway mark and a lot of work is necessary to keep these bills moving forward. Your State Legislators need to hear from you! We're asking for your help to push for: - a proposed tax credit to assist beginning farmers with access to land (HB 3092)
- new programs to provide low interest lending to small and beginning farmers (HB 3085) and student loan debt assistance for beginning farmers (HB 3090)
- funding for Double Up Food Bucks (SB 727A) and Farm Direct Nutrition programs (HB 3170) to enhance access to Oregon farmers markets
- Clean Energy Jobs legislation (HB 2020) to fund investments in climate-friendly farming practices
Join us at the State Capitol in Salem on Wednesday, May 29 from 12-3 pm to advocate for these proposals! For just a couple hours, you can hear the latest on these bills, have lunch, and meet with your State Legislators to share your story and the importance of supporting Oregon's small and mid-sized producers. A couple hours of your time can make a big difference! | |
InFARMation - May 14 - Farming in the Age of Climate Change | |
 On Tuesday, May 14th, our next Portland InFARMation will tackle the questions: What does it mean to be farming in the midst of climate change? How can agriculture be a part of the solution? What is your role in all this, and what can you do? Join us for a fun and informative night where you will hear from a panel of local producers who are using sustainable agriculture methods, while addressing environmental and economic challenges. If you are available to volunteer at this event, please email us! WHEN: Tuesday, May 14th - Join us at 6:00pm and grab a drink and a slice of pizza or two, panel will begin at 6:30pm WHERE: The Portland Lagunitas Community Room, 237 NE Broadway. The event is FREE, food and drinks are available for purchase. WHO: Our panelists for the evening are... - Anne Berblinger, Gales Meadow Farm - Gales Meadow uses farming practices that build the soil while also providing habitat for wildlife, native plants, insects, birds, and microbes. They are also experimenting with dry farming techniques.
- Zach Menchini, Campfire Farms - Campfire Farms focus on pasture management, high-quality forage, and soil health to produce great pork and better the environment. What role can pasture-based agriculture play in addressing climate change?
- Susan Richman, Belle Mare Farm - Belle Mare Farm grows heritage bread and cereal grains, cover crops, pasture and vegetables on fields from 3-12 acres…with horses! Susan manages diverse crop and livestock rotation, and optimizes the use of humans and animals as a source of power. She uses traditional methods supported by science, essentially planting to feed the soil.
- Megan Kemple, Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network - Farmers are on the frontline of dealing with the effects of climate change, while also best positioned to be part of the solution. Megan will talk about House Bill 2020, aka the Clean Energy Jobs bill, and how a proposed Climate Investment Fund could support small and mid-sized farms by incentivizing practices that sequester carbon in soils and encourage resiliency.
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Business Circle Spotlight – Cattail Creek Lamb | |
Cattail Creek lambs are 100% grass fed on pastures or vegetative crops outdoors. They are raised by producers committed to meeting John Neumeister’s high standards from birth to market. They are never fed grains, or given hormones or antibiotics. Cattail Creek lamb is found on the menus of some of Oregon’s best restaurants and can also be purchased in stores across the region. Cattail Creek Lamb is one of FoFF's growing number of business supporters. If your business supports our work to promote and protect socially and environmentally responsible agriculture in Oregon, join our Business Circle today. | |
