|
|
Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington Counties
|
|
Allow me to editorialize St. Francis de Sales on the topic of patience.
“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself spring in Oregon”
This spring has been the coldest and wettest in over a decade. Here are some numbers from Aurora, Oregon to provide perspective:
- Temperature for the last 60 days is 3.8 °F lower than normal
- Precipitation of 9.6 inches for the past 60 days is 4 inches above normal
- Growing Degree Days – 9 behind historical average
Add that all together, and growers in the valley are weeks behind their normal schedule. Farmers markets and CSA shares may not be filled with their normal June offerings. Even this year’s berries may be a couple weeks behind.
To paraphrase another philosopher on the topic .
"Patience may be bitter, but the fruit (and hopefully this year’s berries) will be sweet"
-Clint
|
|
Metro Small Farms Team
Heidi Noordijk
Outreach Program Coordinator
heidi.noordijk@oregonstate.edu
Clint Taylor
Education Program Assistant
clint.taylor@oregonstate.edu
Organic Vegetable Program
Nick Andrews
Professor of Practice
nick.andrews@oregonstate.edu
|
|
NEW EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS
|
|
A new publication on selling eggs under the Farm Direct Marketing Law is now available. A frequent question we receive is "What do I need to include on the label when selling eggs?", this publication includes a sample label to answer that question. See the sample label below.
Oregon's Farm Direct Marketing law exempts producers who sell agricultural products that they themselves grow from state licensing. Do you produce and sell eggs directly to consumers? If so, there are specific labeling and handling requirements that you need to follow to qualify for the farm-direct licensing exemption and stay legal. This publication outlines these requirements and provides guidance on how to sell high-quality eggs to your customers.
|
|
EM 9349 Medicinal Herb Production in the Pacific Northwest: Opportunities and Obstacles in a Growing Market
Medicinal herb crops are a diverse group consisting of both annual and perennial species. Some herbs are harvested for their flower or leaf tissue; others are harvested for root tissue or fruit. Within the herb production industry, there are opportunities to identify crops that may fit well in the cropping systems of the Pacific Northwest.
|
|
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Oregon Disaster Assistance Program (ODAP) is now open. This loan forgiveness program is for farmers that can show farm losses in 2021 in comparison to their annual average income from 2017-2019, based on Schedule F (learn about schedule F). Farmers will apply through approved 3rd party lenders during a short application period this spring.
|
|
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers
Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022.
|
|
Upcoming Events & Field Days at NWREC
June 8
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Aurora, OR
June 29
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Aurora, OR
July 20
1:00 pm - 5:15 pm Aurora, OR
|
|
Chemical Container Recycling Day
Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Orchard & Vineyard Supply
Free
Drop off your cleaned chemical containers to be recycled at our Salem (3526 Brooks Ave.) and McMinnville (2700 St Joseph Road) locations. All containers must be triple rinsed with all lids, caps, handles, and label books removed. No boxes are accepted. If containers are not cleaned as stated above, items will not be received.
|
|
|
June 30, 2022 is the last day to sign up for the 2022 Ag Census. If you have never received a census and are new to NASS surveys, sign up to be counted today. You do not need to sign up if you already receive NASS surveys.
Key Dates:
- June 30, 2022 – sign up ends
- November 2022 – census mails out
- February 2023 – response deadline
- Spring/summer 2024 – data release
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land - whether rural or urban - growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity.
|
|
Save The Date!
Small Farm School 2022
Monday September 12th 2022
At Clackamas Community College
|
|
Job Postings
CSA Operations Assistant
Moomaw Family Farm | Oregon City, OR | *$18/hr for all freezer / farm related tasks * $17/hr plus 58.5¢/mile for deliveries (this averages out to be $25 - $26/hr for deliveries
CSA Delivery Driver
Moomaw Family Farm | Oregon City, OR | $17/hr plus 58.5¢/mile for deliveries (this averages out to be $25 - $26/hr)
|
|
The Anti-Racist Farmers Market Toolkit was developed by a group of Black food systems leaders and market managers like Shiny Flanary of Come Thru Market, to help offer ways for managers to put the concepts of anti-racism into practice and action within farmers markets.
The work is intended to improve market experiences for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and BIPOC communities; however, the authors’ lens explicitly centers Black people and Black communities.
|
|
This new online course is for farmers and ranchers interested in adding an agricultural tourism business to their operation. Agritourism includes welcoming visitors onto a farm or ranch to sell products, engage with customers, offer various activities, enhance the visibility of local farms, and build connections in the community.
|
|
NEW CLASS!
$225 (+$60 Registration Fee)
In this course, you will explore the possibility of CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) to create an extremely high-intensity production environment. Learn the importance of controlling water, light, temperature, substrate, nutrients, and the atmosphere for maximizing plant growth.
Farmers have embraced a high-tech future to supply a synthetic environment for optimal crop production. The controls involved are nuanced and interconnected and require significant knowledge and expertise to maintain optimal operation. We will be examining what about plant factories have caught the attention of so many and how these systems might play a significant and as-of-yet under appreciated role in the future or urban agricultural production.
|
|
NEW CLASS!
$495 (+$60 Registration Fee)
Being able to test soil can help you save money, conserve energy, optimize crop production and diagnose issues before they become a costly problem.
This online soil testing course has been uniquely created for:
- Agriculture professionals
- Crop advisors
- Agronomists
- Soil laboratory managers and staff
- Farm managers
- Consultants who are responsible for making decisions about soil testing
|
|
Farm Direct Marketing FAQ
We recently received some responses from the ODA Food Safety Division regarding the questions that were generated during the delivery of the “Field-to-Market: Selling Farm Direct, Producer-Processed Products in Oregon” session at the OSU Small Farms Conference held back in February. Check with your Local ODA Food Inspector if you have questions:
https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/foodsafety/Pages/Default.aspx --> Find my Local Food Inspector
Q: Are frozen whole fruits and vegetables allowed? What about sliced? ODA: Neither whole nor sliced frozen fruits and vegetables are permitted under the farm direct exemption
Q: Please provide some clarification regarding food hubs, farm direct, consignment, and wholesale. Can food hubs, for example, distribute processed, value added products? ODA: Food hubs can sell products under consignment if the agricultural products are listed under the farm direct exemption. Refer to the publications below for additional information:
Farm Direct Marketing, Agricultural Products:
https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/FoodSafety/FarmDirectMarketingAgProducts.pdf
Farm Direct Marketing, Producer-Processed Products:https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/FoodSafety/FarmDirectMarketingProcessedProducers.pdf
Q: Can QR codes be used to provide product information? ODA: Yes, but they cannot be used in lieu of labeling requirements
Q: Is steam canning allowed? ODA: Steam canning is not allowed under the farm direct exemption
Q: Do I have to list the street address on my processed, value added product label? ODA: ODA and federal CFR labeling requirements are the same. The street address must be included on the label unless the business meets the requirements in 21 CFR 101.4:
“The statement of the place of business shall include the street address, city, State, and ZIP code; however, the street address may be omitted if it is shown in a current city directory or telephone directory. The requirement for inclusion of the ZIP code shall apply only to consumer commodity labels developed or revised after the effective date of this section. In the case of non consumer packages, the ZIP code shall appear either on the label or the labeling (including invoice).”
Q: Is there a certain brand of pH meter that is recommended? ODA: ODA cannot recommend a particular brand of pH meter, but encourages an individual to purchase one that has a temperature correction feature and that works up to 190-200 degrees. ODA has found that small portable hand held pH meters are sufficient. Most work in the range of pH 0-14 and are +/-0.1. Follow the directions for calibration with at least two pH buffers.
Q: Are freeze dried products allowed? ODA: Freeze drying is not allowed under the farm direct exemption
Q: Are raw juices allowed? ODA: Raw juices are not allowed under the farm direct exemption
Q: Where should I direct questions regarding the implementation of the Oregon Farm Direct Marketing Law or Home Baking Bill? ODA: Contact your local Food Safety Inspector at:
https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/foodsafety/Pages/Default.aspx --> Find my Local Food Inspector
|
|
2022 PORTLAND-AREA FARM TOUR, CLASS, AND DISCUSSION SERIES
LOCAL FARM TOURS & TALKS FOR ASPIRING FARMERS
Rogue Farm Corps is pleased to open up our 2022 Internship Program Educational Event Series in Portland to a limited number of beginning and aspiring farmers in the Portland area who don’t have a position with a RFC host farm. The series is generally for people currently working on local farms or who have had farming experience in the past and want to learn more to advance their knowledge & skills.
The series includes
- 18 sessions on foundational concepts and practical skills in sustainable agriculture
- 14 farm tours which provide insight into different production systems and the chance to meet many local producers
- 5 sessions on food systems topics
There is opportunity for engagement, questions, networking, and discussion throughout the series. Classes, tours, and discussions are led by experienced farmers, Rogue Farm Corps staff, and agricultural professionals, in a variety of farm and online settings.
|
|
|
The Metro Small Farms Program is based at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC). Variety trials and small-scale workshops occur on our two-acre learning farm. There are many other programs at NWREC that serve farmers in our region. Watch this 7-minute video to learn more.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Advisory. Metro OSU Extension is working to keep our communities safe. All Extension programming is being provided virtually, postponed or canceled. We are available via email, phone and web conference
|
|
|
Oregon State University Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This publication will be made available in accessible formats upon request. Program accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by calling 503-373-3774.
Please help us to monitor the effectiveness of our civil rights and affirmative action efforts and fill out our anonymous survey.
El Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University prohíbe la discriminación en todos sus programas, servicios, actividades y materiales en base a la raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, identidad de género (incluyendo la expresión de género), orientación sexual, discapacidad, edad, estado civil, estatus de la familia/padres, ingresos derivados de un programa de asistencia pública, creencias políticas, información genética, estado de veterano, represalia o represalia por actividad previa de los derechos civiles.
Te invitamos a indicar voluntariamente tu origen étnico, raza, y género en este formulario para ayudarnos a monitorear la efectividad de nuestros esfuerzos en cuanto a derechos civiles y acción afirmativa. |
|
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
|
|
|
|
|
