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; Amy Treasure (Siletz) Tribal Liaison for Elderberry Wisdom Farm

Oregon Food Hubs and Technical Assistance Resources for Value Added Makers Conversation

Following our session before lunch, continue the conversation about food hubs, the Food Innovation Center, the Oregon food Hub Network and more. Sydney DeLuna, Oregon Community Food Systems Network; Hannah Kullberg PNW Packaged Food & Beverage Group; Jason Ball Food Innovation Center

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