New to us? Or long time supporter? Either way it’s been a while since we properly introduced ourselves (and we have some new faces!) It is time to introduce our hard working staff and board at Friends of Family Farmers.
What is your current role at FoFF?
Co-Director of Programs and Operations
Previous to FoFF I worked with farmers and ranchers as a caterer and then as the director at a year-round, indoor farmers market. The market helped farmers sell products and, through my conversations, I learned that there were so many barriers for local scale farmers and ranchers. I wanted to work for an organization that would go to bat for farmers at a systems change level and was hired as an organizer for FoFF back in 2018.
As a student of geography and a 5th generation guest here, I hold a deep love for the land we call Oregon, the mountains, coast, valley, high desert and everything in-between. I believe that equitable land access and small farms are key to a future in which people, animals, communities and ecosystems can thrive in Oregon and beyond.
✨ALICE MORRISON✨
What is your current role at FoFF?
Co-Director of Policy and Development
What brought you to FoFF?
I first heard of FoFF when I was working for another advocacy nonprofit in 2014 and I approached the group to ask them about joining a coalition we were building. I was impressed by the integrity and clear values the group held and how truly connected FoFF is to the farmers they serve. I was reintroduced to FoFF as a farmer constituent in 2016. As a farmer I attended legislator meetings organized by FoFF and really enjoyed the Small Farms Mean Business Rally at the Capitol. When I saw a job opening in my area for FoFF in 2019 I applied to get some off farm income and have grown from there!
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
I really believe that our food system is the greatest form of community. I personally have never been so fulfilled as when I am able to nourish people with the food I grew when I was farming full time. How our actions impact and meet the needs of ourselves and others around us has to be at the center of the way we think about food. Food is connected to everything in the human experience and the choices we make impact how it is produced and by whom.
This is not just about your neighbors, but about the history, equity, ecosystems, and power dynamics wrapped up in all the food we eat. Being resilient starts with a food system that truly serves the people, ecosystems and communities reliant upon it. I believe that FoFF’s work and the way we approach the root of the problem get us closer to living that principle.
✨BRITTNEY DEMING✨
What is your current role at FoFF?
Community Engagement Director
What brought you to FoFF?
I didn’t come from a policy or community organizing background, I came from a farming background. I absolutely love getting my hands dirty, providing nourishing food for my community and knowing the food I grow makes a difference. For years, as a small farmer, I knew the importance of our collective voice and FoFF’s advocacy program really had an impact on me. FoFF has become a leader in understanding the barriers small farmers face, shining light on issues and then directing, empowering and inspiring farmers to participate in the legislative process. I want to be a part of systems change and moving our local food system towards a brighter future. Life can be very overwhelming so focusing on what is really important (local farmers!) fuels my soul.
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
Community and collaboration is at the heart of driving our mission forward of fostering resilient and viable agricultural systems. I know first hand farming can be very isolating and every part of me believes working together, lifting each other up, learning from each other and celebrating one another will get us to the thriving local food system we envision. We are in it together and I am inspired everyday by our local farmers, my fellow co workers and everyone in this space trying to reach a common goal together.
✨BEN WIDDISON✨
What is your current role at FoFF? Program Communications and Development Associate
What brought you to FoFF?
I have always had a passion for food sovereignty. I grew up in Josephine County and spent many hours volunteering for my local food bank which included time spent on the bank’s 2.5 acre farm. I got to see the widespread community impact that this relatively small but highly impactful plot of land could have. Because of this, I continued working and volunteering with food banks wherever I moved. In 2019, while working as the manager for an adventure recreation company in the Seattle area, I had the opportunity to create a tourism guide for a small island where community agriculture reigned supreme as the island’s primary economic sector. Through working with these farmers, hearing their stories, and understanding their businesses I became fascinated. FOFF’s vision for a local, diversified, and interconnected food system across Oregon was exactly what I had witnessed on that island and I knew I had to be involved.
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
I believe in the mission of FOFF because it recognizes the crucial role that farmers play as keystones within their communities. These farmers not only nurture the physical health of individuals by locally grown food, but they also contribute significantly to the economic vitality of their regions. However, I’ve also seen the challenges faced by producers in the modern agricultural landscape, where industrialization often threatens their livelihoods and the integrity of our food systems. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting the type of farming promoted by FOFF – one that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and economic viability. By advocating for policies and programs that protect and promote these values, we can ensure the long-term health and prosperity of both our farmers and our communities.
✨MIKE GUEBERT✨
What is your current role at FoFF?
Program director of Oregon Pasture Network
What brought you to FoFF?
My first interaction with FoFF was at an InFarmation event in 2009 and and then continued that connection by attending events like rally days at the capitol and always saying yes whenever I was asked to go to Salem to testify in support of FoFF-sponsored bill in the legislature. When the Oregon Pasture Network was created in 2016, my farm joined in as a member in that first year and in 2022 I joined the OPN Advisory Committee. So it seemed like a natural progression for me to become the program director in May 2024.
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
As a farmer, I’ve been able to directly experience the benefits that FoFF has provided, such as ushering through legislation like the farm direct bill and the 1,000 bird poultry exemption that made it legal to process and sell our own chickens. Without FoFF, that would have remained illegal under state law, as there is no other statewide organization that I know of that would have taken up that cause.
✨SURABHI MAHAJAN✨
What is your current role at FoFF?
Capital Assistance for Local Farmers (CALF) Coordinator
What brought you to FoFF?
I specifically believe in the mission of the project I’m working on with FoFF to provide capital access for local farmers. When I saw the mission of the project, I thought that this would be something that I could benefit from as a small farmer. I would need help finding capital and making it more accessible to me as a small farmer with limited time and resources to apply to grants and loans. I wanted to work on this project but I also have admired FoFF’s advocacy efforts for small farmers for a long time and their ability to be responsive to small farmer needs. I’m excited to be part of that community more now and see where this project takes me and the organization!
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
I think it’s really important to support small farmers with technical assistance and advocacy efforts as much as possible. There isn’t a lot of visibility on how much small farmers feed people and impact the environment in positive ways. I believe in FoFF’s mission because I believe in supporting small farmers and their livelihood as much as possible as well through education and advocacy efforts.
✨SILVIA CUESTA✨
What is your current role at FoFF? Oregon Farm Link Statewide Farmland Navigator
What brought you to FoFF?
My love for fresh farm foods and desire to see more fresh food accessible for everyone, and my appreciation and desire to support the farmers who work tirelessly to produce such great food are the inspiration and drive to join the dedicated work the FoFF team is doing to support and advocate for the success of our local farmers.
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
Being a farmer is a challenging thankless job and farmers need all the support they can get to continue producing food to feed our communities.
✨CHRISTINA✨
What is your current role at FoFF? Mid- and South Willamette Valley Farmland Navigator
What brought you to FoFF?
I’ve always been passionate about equitable access to land and natural resources for folks. There is enough land for everyone who wants to grow food to feed their community. We just need better access and more equitable distribution. Working as a Farmland Navigator at FOFF helps fulfill that vision.
Why do you believe in FoFF’s Mission?
I want more people caring for our shared land and ecosystems. Small farmers can do an excellent job of feeding our communities and caring for our lands and waters, if they get the support they need.