Dear Oregon Organic Community:
As the end of the year rushes to meet us, I wish you a restive and reflective season of renewal. The Oregon Organic Coalition (OOC) has much to be grateful for in 2024 and we look forward to a new year of progress with our partners. Read on for updates, our 2025 Legislative Agenda, grant opportunities, and a preview of upcoming events that will help shape the future of organic agriculture in Oregon and beyond.
2025 Legislative Agenda
The OOC will continue to advocate for an Organic Policy Specialist at the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)–a position we’ve come close to securing in previous legislative sessions–and one we believe will benefit Oregon. The legislature declared organic an “emerging industry” in 2022 and allocated funding for an economic assessment of the sector. The Organic Policy Specialist could work to address many of the needs identified in the assessment:
(a) The tracking of national trends, policies and regulatory changes
that impact the production, marketing or certification of organic agricultural
products;
(b) The marketing of organic agricultural products;
(c) Organic import substitution (Oregon imports a lot of organic food that the state could produce);
(d) Efforts by the department, in consultation with other state
agencies, to address gaps in data related to organic agricultural products;
(e) Efforts to establish and support statewide infrastructure for the
post-harvest handling and processing of organic agricultural products;
(f) The integration into all relevant department programs of policies
that encourage organic practices.
The OOC has been told there is still support for the position, but despite a recent positive revenue forecast, Oregon is facing a significant budget shortfall and we face an uphill battle. Please look out for Action Alerts and submit testimony when this legislative concept is scheduled for a hearing(s). Our lobbying team already secured sponsors for the bill in the House and Senate.
The OOC will also continue to monitor any potential proposed legislation that increases canola production in the Willamette Valley Protected District (WVPD). The current 500 acre cap on canola in the WVPD doesn’t sunset until 2028, but there are efforts to find a solution sooner. Maintaining protections for brassica seed producers is critical to a resilient regional food system, as well as Oregon’s agricultural economy. If you have not already endorsed our work to protect brassica seed production, please do so here.
Additionally, the OOC supports many of the priorities of ally organizations that are a part of the Oregon Community Food Systems Network, including the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program, Food for All, Farmer and Rancher Disaster Resilience Grants, and the Natural and Working Lands Grant Fund, among others.
Organic News
Leadership Change at Hummingbird: Stacy Kraker Appointed CEO
We are excited to share that Stacy Kraker has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hummingbird Wholesale, taking over for Charlie Tilt, who is retiring. Stacy brings a wealth of experience in sustainable food systems and will continue to strengthen Hummingbird’s mission of providing high-quality organic products. The OOC would not be what it is today without Stacy, Charlie and the entire Hummingbird team and we look forward to working with Stacy in her new capacity and wish Charlie and his family all the best as he takes time to enjoy retirement.
Organic in the Capital Press
Capital Press reporter Kyle Odegard wrote a comprehensive story about the organic sector earlier this month. Kyle was able to connect with many organic stakeholders at the Taste of Organic PNW trade event that Tilth Alliance hosted last month as part of the OOC's OMDG award. It's great to see quotes from Oregon stakeholders like Pryor Garnett of Garnetts Red Prairie Farm, MaryClair Birkemeier of Meridian Orchards, Ben Johnson of Bridges Produce, and David Wills-Ehlers of Zephyr Organics.
OSU Organic Extension Program
It is a joy to be able to share the good news that the hiring is almost complete for the new OSU Organic Extension Specialists. We’ll send a complete update in the new year.
Grant Opportunities
Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC):
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, which provides funding to farmers and ranchers to enhance their marketing efforts. This is a valuable opportunity for producers of specialty crops to increase their visibility in the marketplace.
Program Details:
Who Can Apply: Producers of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other horticultural products.
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
Funding Source: The program is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, which also supports the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for facilities impacted by 2024 natural disasters.
How to Apply: Visit your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) or the USDA website for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Farmer & Rancher Disaster Resilience Grant Program:
The Oregon Community Food System Network (OCFSN) is now accepting applications for Round Two of the Farmer & Rancher Disaster Resilience Grant Program. This program helps farmers and ranchers build resilience to climate-related disasters and other unforeseen challenges.
Grant Details:
Application Deadline: January 17, 2024
Spanish Language Support: For Spanish-speaking applicants, reach out to Rodrigo at rodrigo@ocfsn.org. For English-language inquiries, contact the grants team at grants@ocfsn.org.
How to Apply: Visit the English webpage for more details. Spanish-language resources are available on the Spanish webpage.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP):
ODA receives grant funding from USDA to enhance the competitiveness of Oregon’s specialty crops.
Program Details:
Who Can Apply: Producers of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other horticultural products.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 at noon
How to Apply: Visit the ODA SCBGP website for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Oregon Soil Health Summit
OrCAN will host a full-day gathering on Wednesday January 22 at the LaSells Stewart Center at OSU to promote soil health for climate resilience on Oregon’s farms and ranches. The Summit will provide education, resources and connection. The registration deadline is January 7. Learn more here.
The Return of Organicology: Organic is the Answer
The Oregon Organic Coalition is excited to be a Community Partner for Organicology 2025, which will take place March 12-14 at Revolution Hall in Portland. This one-of-a-kind event brings together contributors, advocates and change-makers from across the organic trade to share insights, present research, celebrate innovation and tackle challenges collectively.
The Organicology 2025 program is now live on the website–check out the workshops and sessions designed to inspire and engage organic professionals.
Organicology Workshops are $49 each and are expected to fill up quickly. Early Bird Rates end January 10, 2025. Use the OOC’s Custom Discount Code for 30% Off Full Conference Tickets:
Discount Code: OREGONORGANIC30
Apply Discount Here: Register with discount
Organic Seed Growers Conference
The 2025 Organic Seed Growers Conference will take place February 26 to March 1 in Corvallis and virtually, and the theme is “Weaving Visions of Organic Seed Communities.” Learn more and register here.
Save the Date: March 22 Organic Vineyard Management
The OOC is helping to organize a day-long conference and wine tasting highlighting organically managed vineyards in Oregon as part of our TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program) Award. A panel and other programming is being finalized and the day will also include Field Tours focused on soil health, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. Organizers hope to help more of Oregon’s winegrowers adopt climate-friendly organic farming practices.
What We've Been Up to
Organic Hazelnut Field Day - August
L to R: Farm hands at Meridian Orchards, MaryClair Birkemeir speaking to participants, one of the healthiest nut out there!
Commonplace Farm Tour - September
Jeremy, Ashli and baby Felix with Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin and newly-elected Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald. Read more here. Please let us know if you'd like us to come visit your farm! Legislators appreciate getting out into the fields and hearing about issues important to organic farmers.
Tabling for TOPP at the ComeThru Market - October
L to R: OOC's Amy Wong. OOC's Sonya Jindal and Amy Wong, Corn from Happiness Family Farm, who celebrates their Burundian culture by providing organic family-grown produce. The Come Thru Market is a seasonal incubator market centering Black and Indigenous Farmers, Makers, and Friends. Thank you for having us come talk about TOPP program opportunities
Oregon Organic Awards for Excellence and NOSB Reception - October
The OOC had the great honor of having USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture, Jenny Lester Moffitt, speak at the Awards and NOSB Reception. See all the winners and read more here.
Mt. Rose Herbs and Hummingbird Wholesale Facility Tours - November.
The OOC hosted Rep. John Lively, shown here in orange, in a Hummingbird warehouse. Robust conversations were had and we're thrilled to count Rep. Lively as a supporter of our legislative agenda.
Sagra del Radicchio - December
The OOC had the pleasure of sponsoring three tables at the Culinary Breeding Network's magical Sagra del Radicchio earlier this month as part of our USDA OMDG Award. A sagra is a festival usually honoring regional cuisines in Italy. Watch our social media for the full recap.
Thank You!
We are grateful for your ongoing commitment to our work. Thank you for being part of this vibrant, resilient community. Please consider a year end donation via the green button below. Now, more than ever, state-level advocacy is needed to build a thriving regional food system rooted in organic practices.
In appreciation,
Amy Wong
Coalition Director, Oregon Organic Coalition amy@oregonorganiccoalition.org
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