Working with cranberry farmers on the South Coast
OEC is working with cranberry farmers on Oregon's South Coast to demonstrate a fairer business model for farmers through the creation of a new collaborative, Clearwater Cranberries.
What's a fair food system? In our opinion it's one that treats farmers, eaters and our environment with mutual respect. We'd like this to be the norm. Right now it's not.
The commodity market does not often treat farmers or eaters fairly. It does not often value quality or environmental stewardship, and has generated roller coaster prices and intense price competition. It's difficult for eaters to know where or how their food is grown, and whether it's safe. It's also difficult for farmers to make a living.
OEC is working with cranberry farmers on Oregon's South Coast to demonstrate a fairer business model for farmers through the creation of a new collaborative, Clearwater Cranberries. Clearwater Cranberries emphasizes relationships with buyers and eaters based on shared values of environmental stewardship, economic viability, and respect. Instead of an adversarial relationship, the buyer-seller relationship will be mutually supportive to accomplish the shared goal of sustainability. We hope this model will grow and be adopted by others. Together, we can create a fair food system.
