Agritourism

Come ask questions or connect with others. Audrey Comerford and Melissa Fery, OSU Extension Agricultural Tourism Program

How the Supply Chain Affects Microbiomes

This session would explore the impact of food supply chain length on the microbiomes of fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Gwynne Mhuireach of the University of Oregon will share results of the completed study comparing produce microbiomes from short (garden-fresh) versus long (store-bought) supply chains and discuss where intermediate-length supply chains (e.g., farmers markets, CSAs) might fit along that spectrum.

Importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

The Native American team at Elderberry Wisdom Farm will raise awareness of the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, organic farming and other nature-based solutions for farmers, ranchers, and other stewards of the soil. This session is created to increase understanding of how we use native practices to restore the biodiversity of the soil, the quality of our products and the sustainability of our business operations. Of special importance is the intimate relationship that we develop with the world of nature that makes the work on our farms, ranches and other landscapes meaningful. Rose High Bear, Elderberry Wisdom Farm

Q&A discussion on Exploring Selling Farm Direct, Producer-Processed, Value-Added Products in Oregon and an Introduction to Licensed Processing

Following our Exploring Selling Farm Direct, Producer-Processed, Value-Added Products in Oregon and an Introduction to Licensed Processing session before lunch, continue the conversation with a Q&A about licensing laws, farm-direct processing, product development with the Food Innovation Center, and resources from the Oregon food Hub Network, and more. Kelly Streit, Educator; Sydney DeLuna, Oregon Community Food Systems Network; Hannah Kullberg PNW Packaged Food & Beverage Group; Maren Long Food Innovation Center; Jingyun Duan, Oregon Department of Agriculture

Resilience Through Adaptation: Building Responsive Support for Urban Farmers

This session explores the real-world challenges and adaptive strategies involved in supporting urban agriculture producers through a grant-funded initiative. Drawing on lessons learned from two USDA grant-funded programs, we’ll discuss how our team designed and implemented a curriculum that meets the evolving needs of beginning and small-scale producers when resources don’t align with expectations.
Participants will hear how our team navigated obstacles when promised USDA resources became limited, prompting us to seek local and community-based alternatives instead. We’ll explore the trade-offs between building partnerships with decentralized, community-led resource networks— which are more flexible and responsive to local needs—and formal institutions that offer stability but may not serve everyone fairly. Through drawing analysis from our initial microgrants program, attendees will gain a better understanding of what producers truly need versus what institutions think they need.
This session is ideal for agricultural educators, technical assistance advisors, program designers, and community-based facilitators working to build more responsive and resilient support systems for small-scale farmers. Raphaël Guzman, Ecotust; Sabrina Cerquera, Ecotrust

Under Pressure: A Film Discussion on Farm Stress and Resilience – please note that the films will be shown during the roundtable times, but additional time has been set aside during the networking session for a more through discussion.

Join us as we explore the complex realities of farm stress and resiliency through the voices of small farm owners in Oregon and Montana. The heart of this program is audience reactions of two films comprised of interviews with small farm owners. The first film gives voice to the experiences of three women farmers in Oregon, while the second film highlights the stress and resiliency of a farm family from Montana. We invite you to explore with us the cumulative pressures of financial uncertainty and climate variability, within the context of commitment to the local community that shape daily lives of small farmers. Discussion will showcase practical, community-informed strategies that support resilience, well-being, and suicide prevention among farmers and ranchers. Speakers: Brenda Freeman, University of Nevada, Reno Extension; Cassie Bouska, Oregon State University Extension