Since January 2009, Friends of Family Farmers has hosted InFARMation (and Beer!) each month in Portland. Now we’ve got one quarterly in Bend, Oregon at BTBS, organized by High Desert Food & Farm Alliance!
Linda Anspach, owner of DD Ranch in Terrebonne
Jessi Suleiman, Central Oregon Chapter Coordinator for Rogue Farm Corp
James Bernston, owner of Radicle Roots Farm outside Bend
The farming landscape is changing, most notably with the demographics of farmers themselves. As the average age of farmers continues to rise, barriers blocking younger farmers from gaining a foothold in the dirt are numerous. What do the numbers look like in the High Desert and how do they compare with the rest of the United States? What are the unique factors we face here in Central Oregon that continue to the trend of rising average age of farmers (currently at 59 years old)? This discussion will explore these questions, as well as plans for the next decade of the farming landscape. We’ll also hear experiences from farmers in our region.
This is an opportunity to bring the issues that Oregon family farmers face onto the radar of urban consumers and the community in general. The topic changes each month, but always focuses on the larger picture of the connection between food and farms in our state.
When eaters connect with farmers, it makes our food web stronger and real changes in our local food system are possible.
More info at: http://www.hdffa.org/
Panelists, Discussion, and Networking.
Quarterly the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Free & Open to All!