Author Archives: Alex

a grassy field with tree in the background a wood fence in the foreground

Public hearing notice regarding conservation easement on July 3rd, 2024

EMSWCD’s working farmland protection program works to provide current and future generations of farmers with access to farmland in East Multnomah County and make land for farming more affordable. Our collaborations with existing farmers help unlock opportunities for the next generation of farmers to steward these special farm properties.

Local farmland is vital to our community, economy, food systems and environment. Farmland fuels our rural economy, nourishes people with fresh, locally grown food, and enables us to enjoy the vibrant rural landscapes that make Oregon special.

EMSWCD will hold a virtual public hearing on July 3rd, 2024, at 1:00 PM in connection with the acquisition of a working farmland easement to encumber a property located at 33560 SE Carpenter Lane, Gresham, OR 97080 and identified as tax parcel number 1S4E21D -00500. This easement will ensure the agricultural resource values of the property are protected in perpetuity. This particular transaction will additionally incorporate easement terms that guarantee the farm property remains affordable to and in the ownership of farmers.

Interested persons may submit written testimony before the hearing to Matt Shipkey at matt@emswcd.org, or may attend the hearing by joining the meeting via computer or smart phone here or by calling United States (Toll Free): 1 (571) 317-3112 with Access Code: 416-726-341.

Additional information on the working farmland easement may be obtained by contacting Matt Shipkey, Land Legacy Program Manager at (503) 935 5374 or matt@emswcd.org.

Meeting attendees requiring Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations should call (503) 222-7645 x 100 ASAP. To better serve you, five (5) business days prior to the event is preferred.

NRCS Local Work Group Meeting on February 29th

NRCS’s Local Work Group Meeting has been scheduled and your participation is requested!

Agricultural producers – farmers, ranchers, foresters, nursery growers and other land managers- in Clackamas and Multnomah Counties are encouraged to attend. The meeting is being offered in a hybrid format (virtual and in person) and registration is required for either option, details below.

What is a Local Work Group Meeting?

Each year, local NRCS field offices around the state hold a Local Work Group Meeting. These meetings provide an opportunity for NRCS staff to hear from the people they serve in their communities. Local landowners and conservation partners know first-hand about the natural resource needs in their area. This locally-led process helps inform conservation priorities and strategies across Oregon. Learn more here.

Feedback provided by growers will enable NRCS to update the county Long Range Plan and develops new Conservation Implementation Strategies to address identified resource concerns.  Continue reading →

OSU Field to Market classes

Check out these upcoming Farm to Market Classes from OSU Extension! From the OSU page:

Oregon’s Farm direct Marketing Law (ORFDML) allows small farmers and aspiring food entrepreneurs to produce certain low-risk, value-added products from the produce that they grow and sell them directly to the consumer without having to obtain a processing license. The law was passed in 2011 and amended in 2023 to include new products, new sales channels, and a raised sales limit.

The passage of the updated law has prompted new interest among those who want to take advantage of the new opportunities. Those who attend this interactive workshop will be able to:

  • Interpret and apply the new guidance to a potential product
  • Design a sample label
  • Practice taking pH meter readings of acidified food samples
  • Share best practices to ensure that products are produced in a clean, healthful and sanitary manner
  • Ask questions of a farmer panel

Continue reading →