2007-2008 Agriculture & Environment Workshop Series
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New
Market Opportunities for South
Coast Agriculture
(Sixes, Oregon) February 2007
Consumers are increasingly choosing food products they believe are healthier for them, the environment, and their community. These markets are growing beyond farmer’s markets and upscale grocery stores to include food service companies, hospitals, schools, and mainstream grocery chains. The foreign markets for these products are expanding exponentially.
OEC partnered with the South Coast Watershed Council to present this day-long workshop, which examined how South Coast Food and Farm businesses could benefit from these markets to help sustain agriculture on the South Coast for the next generation. Speakers shared trends in regional, sustainably grown food, success stories and challenges from farm and food businesses currently selling to these markets, information about third-party sustainability certification systems, and business advice. The day ended with break-out sessions about local needs to enter values-driven markets. 75 local agriculturalists and resource providers attended the workshop.
As a follow-up to the workshop, OEC has secured a $75,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to work with a group of local farmers and ranchers to develop a South Coast Sustainable Foods Brand and develop a marketing strategy for products under the brand.
Community-based Biofuels Forum
(Roseburg, Oregon) March 2007Biofuels like biodiesel and ethanol represent a potential win-win for all Oregonians. Using biodiesel instead of petrodiesel can reduce emissions of global warming gases by up to 78% and help protect kids from exposure to air toxics like benzene, particulate matter, and sulfur. Biofuels produced from Oregon-grown crops, agricultural and forestry residues can help strengthen Oregon’s rural economies. OEC partnered with the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition to present this workshop, which brought together people who are interested in various aspects of biofuels. Speakers addressed the economics of converting crops to biofuels, the conversion of biomass to ethanol, forming biofuel cooperatives, and legislative incentives for biofuel production. Ninety-five people from local elected officials, agriculturalists, businesspeople, and citizens attended this workshop.
Slowing
Global Warming: A Workshop for the Wine Industry
(Salem, Oregon) July 2007
The wine industry has a history of taking the early initiative in adopting sustainable agriculture practices, and is already well positioned to lead efforts to tackle global warming. This workshop featured leaders in the Oregon wine industry who have significantly reduced their resource use and carbon footprint, as well as representatives from the Oregon Department of Energy and the Energy Trust to discuss financial incentives for changes to operations that reduce a winery’s energy use. OEC and National Environmental Trust staff finished the day by talking about state and federal global warming policy initiatives. Seventy people from Oregon wineries, government, resources providers, and public interest groups attended this workshop.
As a result of this workshop, OEC has partnered with the Oregon Wine Board and Governor Kulongoski’s office to create the Carbon Neutral Challenge for Oregon Wineries, which provides pro bono consulting to 30 participating wineries in measuring and reducing their carbon footprint. Each of the 30 wineries has pledged to become carbon neutral within 18 months.
The Pacific Northwest as a Climate Hotspot: What It Means for Oregon Agriculture
(Pendleton, Oregon) October 2007
Scientists have identified the Pacific Northwest as a climate hotspot where the impacts of global warming are expected to be significant. Several sectors of Oregon's economy are particularly at risk, including agriculture. Dr. Phil Mote, Washington Climate Impacts Group, and Dr. Michael Scott, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, communicated the science of climate change and the potential impacts on Oregon agriculture. These include reduced water availability and soil moisture, and greater prevalence of crop pests and pathogens. Chad Kruger, Washington State University, presented current research on agricultural practices and new resources available for ‘climate-friendly’ farms. Thirty-one agriculturalists and resources providers attended this workshop.
New
Market Opportunities for Central Oregon Food
and Farm Businesses: Focusing on Shared Values
(Bend, Oregon) April 2008
Thanks to each of the 95 people who attended our sustainable food system workshop in Bend in early April, and made it such a success. OEC partnered with OSU Extension and the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council to present this workshop, which looked at market trends in food sourced regionally and grown sustainably, and how local farmers, ranchers, and buyers can engage in these markets.OEC staff began by presenting information about growing market niches and consumer preferences. Next, food and farm businesses who have accessed these markets such as Imperial Stock Ranch and Tumalo Farms shared successes and challenges. Finally, buyers of regional food and food grown with enhanced stewardship such as Whole Foods, St. Charles Hospital, and Sunriver Resort discussed their sourcing needs.
To view Allison Hensey’s powerpoint presentation on market trends, click here. If you have questions about the workshop, please contact Allison Hensey.
Click here for information on the 2006 series.