Upcoming events give you an opportunity to weigh in for local farms
How do we plan for future urban growth while maintaining the character, agricultural vitality, and environmental health of our rural communities that make Oregon the place we call home?
Last weekend at the Portland Farmers’ Market, I felt really lucky. Living in an urban area, I’m able to enjoy the fresh bounty of local farmers. When the zucchini, broccoli, and plethora of berries that I pop into my mouth come to market from farms like Square Peg Farm, located just over the west hills in Washington County, I have a new appreciation for the term “local.”
It’s important for farmers’ markets attendees like me to support the people and the land that grow our food. The demand for fresh, local, healthy food has helped grow the number of Oregon farmers markets from 10 in the early 1990s to over 100 markets in 2009! Without our support, our local agricultural land may soon be designated as an Urban Reserve – which means the land and livelihood that brings food to my table may no longer be able to do so.
In Washington County, as well as Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, I’d like to see our agriculture thrive and our farmers succeed. I’d like to see more Rural Reserves so that we can promote sustainable management of farmland that positively impacts the quality of our rivers, air, and wildlife. I’d like to see more compact Urban Reserves that make efficient use of existing infrastructure while preserving the rural land on the fringe of metro areas. I hope you do, too.
Make your voice heard. There are public hearings being held during the month of August. Check with 1000 Friends of Oregon for more information.
- Monday, August 10th, 6:30pm-10pm. Clackamas County
- Thursday, August 20th, 4pm-8pm. Washington County.
Attend InFARMation (and Beer!) - The Future of Metro Area Farms. Join 1000 Friends of Oregon and Friends of Family Farmers on August 11th at Roots Organic Brewery’s Event Space. Laura Masterson from 47th Ave. Farm will speak about the future of metro area farms at 6:30pm. Drinks start at 5:30pm.
Learn more about Urban and Rural Reserves. How do we plan for future urban growth while maintaining the character, agricultural vitality, and environmental health of our rural communities that make Oregon the place we call home?
