ATTENTION FARMERS – Passionate about our work?! Join our OPN, OFL and CALF Farmer Advisory committees!
No organization is an island, and when it comes to making systemic change, there is most certainly strength in numbers. But beyond the numbers, working collaboratively makes sure that the solutions we put forward for Oregon respect the diverse goals of farmers within our local food system. We want our programs and policies to provide a path to viability for small and mid-sized, socially and ecologically responsible farmers while balancing the needs of food security, education and equity to make sure we create a future food system that serves all Oregonians.
We are proud to be an organization driven by farmers. In addition to our survey and farmer focus groups we hold across the state, we have farmer advisory committees to provide guidance and input on the structure and goals of our programming. It is so valuable to have consistent input as we expand and refine these programs to make sure that we meet the needs of our farmers. We are so grateful for our dedicated advisory committee members who give their time to advise and consult with us. We would love for you to join us!
Currently Seeking New Advisory Committee Members:
Oregon Pasture Network (OPN) – CONTACT mike@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org
Oregon Pasture Network is a community of Oregon’s independent farmers and ranchers expanding pasture based agriculture together. We believe in the power of pasture, which is the foundation of agricultural and economic ecosystems and helps our membership farms maintain viability and profitability.
It is very important to us that the OPN be developed with the needs of our pasture-based farmers and ranchers in mind. With that goal, we created the OPN Advisory Committee to help steer our program and activities. These diverse and experienced producers provide insights on program standards and activities, as well as assisting with application reviews and farm visits. We couldn’t be more grateful for the advice and perspectives they bring to the network!
Fill out the interest form for HERE!
Oregon Farm Link (OFL) Navigate Program – CONTACT silvia@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org
The average age of farmers in Oregon is 60, and nearly two-thirds of our state’s farmland is expected to change hands in the next 20 years. Oregon Farm Link connects beginning farmers and ranchers with landholders to help Oregon grow the next generation of family farms.
The OFL Navigate Program offers individualized assistance to support Oregon’s farmers searching for land to begin or grow their farm business. Farmers are the backbone of FoFF and we value their feedback on this important land access program. Our farmer advisory committee members provide perspective and input on how to make our programming more equitable and inclusive as well as offer guidance on the program structure and development. We are proud of our Navigate Program which supports growing our local food system and we would love for you to join us!
Fill out the interest form HERE!
Capital Assistance for Local Farmers (CALF) – CONTACT surabhi@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org
The CALF Project is a USDA funded coalition connecting regional and culturally specific farmer serving groups (TA Partners) with government and lending institutions (Funding Partners) who have funds available for farmers. This project centers on the creation of a Community of Practice where the 16 partners from around the state can come together to build relationships, understandings of each others audiences, and deepen knowledge about the eligibility of projects and farms for available funds. This group has come together to fill an identified need in existing program for better understanding of funding opportunities and the barriers to small, highly diversified and local market farmers in accessing these resources.
We are seeking farmer advisory committee members to help guide the project and ground truth the solutions, resources and recommendations that come from it. The farmer advisory committee brings an unique perspective which is essential to view this project from all angles!