2026 Policy Priority Focus Groups
February 23rd – March 4th
12-1:30pm
Friends of Family Farmers envisions a local, diversified, and interconnected agricultural future built by family farms where ecosystems and communities thrive, and equitable policies improve lives and land for Oregonians. We are proud to be a nonprofit organization that is directed by farmers for farmers. Since 2009, we have held biennial Listening Sessions with Oregon’s family farmers and ranchers, hearing from thousands of producers over the years.
How do you as a small farmer fit in? Friends of Family Farmers has always had systemic change at the heart of our mission. We need your help and want to hear from YOU! It is SO important to gain insight from our small and mid-sized farmers in our network to help drive our work.
In addition to our statewide survey, this year we are hosting 8 policy priority focus groups, each with a specific topic focus, with our farmer members. We are currently looking for 10-12 farmers to attend one of our focus groups so we can reconnect with our farmer base and make sure we are working on the things most pressing to farmers, that our solutions will work for our community, and that we are identifying active folks in communities around the state who would be willing to testify in committees, talk to legislators, and further engage in the legislative and regulatory process.
You would be part of one of FoFF’s Policy Priority Focus Groups which will be a 1.5 hour conversation in late February or early March of 2026. We want to hear directly from the farmers in your community about the barriers they face on a day to day basis and gather information to help advocate to decision makers on behalf of these small farmers for equitable legislation. If this sounds interesting to you, please reach out for more information! This is a great way to get involved with on the ground work to help move our local food system in the right direction and support Oregon farmers building a better food future.
REGISTRATION BELOW
POLICY PRIORITY TOPICS
2/23 Climate change
Farmers are already living on the front lines of climate change. Unpredictable weather patterns, extreme heat and cold, and worsening natural disasters can all wreak havoc on a season and cost a farmer or rancher their livelihood. Help us craft solutions that support farmers in Oregon through the gathering storm.
2/24 Land access/ Land Use
Oregon’s land use laws and planning process are based on a system created in the legislature in 1955. From housing to infrastructure, and commercial zones to county permitting, this system can be difficult to navigate. There have been more cries in recent years that reform is needed, but many argue this system is essential for the Oregon way of life. Where do you stand and how should we keep farmland in production?
2/25 Agritourism
The need to diversify farm income is clear, but farmers disagree about what are acceptable uses of farmland, what counts as keeping lands in production and how much say counties should have in how farmers make money. How do you want to make a living on your farm? Are you worried the activities of your neighbors will impede your harvest?
2/26 Water Resource Resilience
Water is a finite and public resource in Oregon. Building resilience in the face of drought conditions, changing aquifer levels, and an outdated allocation system has pushed Oregon’s ag community and water managers in new ways in recent years. What water struggles is your farm facing? How is your community responding to changing conditions?
2/27 Workforce Issues
Labor is often the highest cost on a farm. Finding and retaining skilled workers can be a tall order for a small operation. Let’s address concerns and discuss solutions related to about you are concerned about workforce shortages, H2A visa processes, affording competitive and legally compliant pay and benefits, or even worker housing.
3/2 Capital access
Farms are businesses, and small businesses need investment and capital to grow. Are you able to access the appropriate loans and grants for farmland, infrastructure, or equipment purchase? Are operating lines of credit within your reach? Do you know how to find funds for advancing conservation projects or breaking into new markets? Join us for a discussion of opportunities and gaps in capital access for farms and ranches in Oregon.
3/3 Industrialization and fair competition – Canola and CAFO stockwater exemption
FoFF’s farmers raise their animals or steward their land in direct opposition to the industrialized factory farm system. When operating with a triple bottom line (environment, community, and business viability) means you are squeezed out by those who adhere to the old addage “get big or get out”, we need to discuss ways to level the playing field. We will touch on CAFO reform and the Canola Protected district.
3/4 “Emerging Issues”
Stay tuned! This session will be used as overflow for the other topics or designated as a new topic based on the feedback gathered through FOFF’s survey. Want to talk about the hottest thing in small farms? Sign up now and save your spot for whatever is the most NOW.
SIGN UP FOR ONE FOCUS GROUP
February 23
Climate change and extreme weather
- Disasters, drought, heat domes and wildfires.
https://secure.everyaction.com/-fBwxs95vUKWhNqw-ScLOg2
February 24
Land access/ Land Use
- Conservation easements, land ownership, land security and operating capital.
- Zoning, UGB expansion, building permits and farm worker housing.
- Succession planning
https://secure.everyaction.com/tL1jYk00qk-wdqlddNkqFQ2
February 25
Agritourism
- Farmstand restrictions, u-pick farming, tours, workshops, farm dinners, and community events.
https://secure.everyaction.com/TgzMakGCm0uP0Mkf_SqZng2
February 26
Water Resource Resilience
- Water rights rules and availability as a factor in land access, water infrastructure and water quality.
- Impacts on water availability due to climate change, natural conditions, or water quality concerns.
https://secure.everyaction.com/nnqIJ3gxjkaH-edjSa20Pg2
February 27
Workforce Issues
- Issues for farmworkers and employers
- wages and labor shortages
- Hiring, training and housing employees
- Ag labor standards
https://secure.everyaction.com/H5Zc0t2lJ0-ZCJ4BqCI1dA2
March 2
Capital Access
- Accessing loans, grants, leases and land trusts.
https://secure.everyaction.com/u1zxGVF5UUGwCsHK7qPh8w2
March 3
Industrialization and Fair Competition (CAFO stock water exemption and canola sunsetting – canola a focus group or stakeholder group with seed growers?)
- Factory farming, canola, stock watering, meat processing access, etc
https://secure.everyaction.com/0ZskZLgbtkWaJJQLMgtkJA2
March 4
“Emerging Issues” – open ended topic
https://secure.everyaction.com/JLSjYT9mr0aeN10wmt9WfQ2