Organically Grown in Oregon Week Events
September 14 to 20, 2009, marks Organically Grown in Oregon Week, a tradition that began in 1988 to celebrate Oregon’s organic industry and recognize the leaders of the movement. To introduce Oregonians to the state’s riches, a selection of organic farms, retailers, certifiers and farmers markets have lined up a slate of educational, family-friendly activities that will provide firsthand experiences with exposure to the cornucopia of delicious, healthful foods produced by the local organic community. (download full pdf of events)
Portland area activities highlight the region’s organic abundance: The Willamette Valley has long been recognized as one of the nation’s richest organic agricultural centers.Organically Grown in Oregon Week offers a variety of ways for the public to explore the region’s lush offerings:
- Organically Grown in Oregon Week Luncheon
Tuesday, September 15th 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
In celebration of Organically Grown in Oregon Week the Oregon Organic Coalition (OOC) will be hosting an awards luncheon at the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, Portland, OR. Join us as we honor colleagues and organic enterprises in the state of OR for their support of Oregon's organic industry and community. The 2009 Awards of Excellence will be announced, the event will be keynoted by Katy Coba, Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. This event is by invite only, contact Stacy Kraker, 541.461.6473 for ticket information.
- Fall Soil Building Workshop
Thursday, September 17,
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Experts
from Oregon Tilth will lead a class on building good soil tilth
using inexpensive or free local
materials. Explore various mulching methods for different applications
including rejuvenating depleted soils, winter weed control and starting a
garden from scratch. Learn how to use winter cover crops to build healthy
soil, conserve nutrients, and suppress winter weeds. For more information on cost
and location, or to register, visit www.tilth.org.
- Portland Food Co-Ops Host Tour of Hood River Farms
Sunday, September 20,
People’s Food Co-op and Food Front Co-op are partnering to offer a daylong tour of organic and
biodynamic farms in the Hood River area. First, participants will arrive at the
30-acre Columbia Blossom Farm and Orchard, growers of stone and vine fruits,
including the farm's famous organic peaches. Next, at Mt. Hood Organics,
guests will learn about biodynamic apple and pear farming and enjoy a seasonal organic
lunch. The final stop is Hood River Organics, the region’s premier producer of
crimini and portabello mushrooms. For more information and to buy farm tour
tickets, visit People's Food Co-op or either Food Front Co-Op location.
- New Seasons Market Invites Shoppers to Taste, Explore and Win
September 14-20
Locally owned New Seasons Market will honor Oregon’s family of organic growers and food companies all week long with daily in-store samplings of organic produce and products in all nine store locations. Kids can join an in-store scavenger hunt to find Oregon-grown organic foods in the aisles. Pick-up a list of organic treasures to hunt for at the Solutions Desk, located in each store. Adult shoppers can enter to win a free shopping basket loaded exclusively with locally produced, organic fruits, cheeses, artisan foods and pantry staples. Find a New Seasons near you.
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Lifesource Natural Foods, Salem, OR Invites Shoppers on Farm Tours
Saturday September 19th 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Salem's only Lifesource Natural Foods invites you to attend farm tours with them. Visit local organic farms Egor's Acres and Thistledown Farm. See where your food comes from, meet the farmers and try fresh produce from the farm. Sign up with Lifesource Natural Foods, space is limited.
Activities to Celebrate the Organic Riches of the
Rogue River Valley: Explore Southern Oregon’s
organic offerings by participating in the plethora of activities scheduled in
Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass. Below are a few of those taking place in and
around the Rogue River Valley. These events are designed to increase
awareness of organic food sources and to challenge eaters to become active in
the local food movement. For more
information about any of these activities, visit www.ashlandfood.coop or call 541-482-6431
- Eat Local and Organic Festival -
Saturday, September 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Ashland Food Co-op will kick off its Eat Local
Challenge with fun and educational events to celebrate local, organic
foods. Festival-goers can taste
Port Orford fish tacos made with local and organic wheat
tortillas and topped with local, organic heirloom tomato salsa, listen to live
music and sign-up for other food focused events offered throughout the
week.Visit Ashland Food Co-op.
- Local Meal
Solutions and Tastings –
Week of September 14 - 20
Tuesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 pm & Saturday 3 p.m. to 5 pm
Visit the Ashland Food Co-op to taste dishes made with ingredients grown or
produced within 200 miles of the Rogue Valley. Collect free recipes that feature local bounty and incorporate local foods
into meals from season to season.
- The Farm and Vineyard Tour
Saturday, September 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Tour organic farms and vineyards in the beautiful Applegate Valley, including Whistling Duck, Barking Moon and Troon Vineyard, where participants will enjoy a food and wine extravaganza featuring five flights of wine paired with a sumptuous meal. The afternoon ends with a wine tasting at Wooldridge Winery. Motor coach transportation will be provided and space is limited to 30 people. Register for the tour online at www.ashlandfood.coop or in person at the Ashland Co-op’s Information Desk.
- Documentary
Film: Ingredients: Who's Your Farmer?
Wednesday,
September 16, 7 p.m., Club
Northwest, 2160 NW Vine St., Grants Pass
This powerful film demonstrates how America’s local food movement is providing solutions to the myriad
problems inherent inside our present industrial food system. The film pays
tribute to some of Oregon’s many innovators.
Get Involved
For more information about participating in Organically Grown in Oregon Week contact: Stacey Kraker, 541.461.6473 or by email.
Report any activities, special events or promotions you will be having and we will post them here! Check back regularly for updates on events.
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