The preservation of farmland makes little sense unless that land is productive. Farmland cannot simply be set aside as empty space; rather, it must be a vital and balanced part of Oregon's economy, for decades and centuries. Where there are rising fuel prices, the costs of food will also rise, and even more so when that food comes from far away. And with the advent of the era of global warming, uncertainty abounds for the long term.

All of these factors and many more incline Friends of French Prairie to promote sustainable agriculture. "Sustainable" is today's term for any venture that can survive in more or less its present form across the years. To be sustainable, farming must produce healthful and affordable local food, protect the soil and environment, and pay the bills. This page, therefore serves as a gateway to sustainable agriculture.

The material found here is intended to provide an overview of the subject, define its relevance for French Prairie, and educate the reader.

Click on the links below to go to the individual section treating the issue.

Major Topics Described on this page:

• What is Sustainable Agriculture? (posted 08/15/08)
• Sustainable Agriculture Presentation (posted 12/15/09)
• Growing Canola in the Willamette Valley (updated 02/15/13)
• Sustainable Agriculture in French Prairie (posted 08/15/08)
• White Papers & Media articles on the subject (updated 01/29/09)
• Relevant and helpful links on the subject (updated 08/15/08)

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals. People in many different capacities, from farmers to consumers, have shared this vision and contributed to it. Despite the diversity of people and perspectives, the following themes commonly weave through definitions of sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and the future. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term by stewarding the food production resource base for the use of future generations.

A systems perspective is essential to understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally. An emphasis on the system allows a larger and more thorough view of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment. A systems approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment.
A systems approach also implies interdisciplinary efforts in research and education. This requires not only the input of researchers from various disciplines, but also farmers, farmworkers, consumers, policymakers and others.

Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is a process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals influence how fast or how far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realize that each small decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the "sustainable agriculture continuum." The key to moving forward is the will to take the next step.

Finally, it is important to point out that reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the responsibility of all participants in the system, including farmers, laborers, policymakers, researchers, retailers, and consumers. Each group has its own part to play, its own unique contribution to make to strengthen the sustainable agriculture community.

Excertped from: University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program.  Download the entire paper in PDF here, or visit the UC Davis web site.

Sustainable Agriculture Presentation

View a presentation entitled “What is Sustainable Agriculture? Why is it important?” by Nick Andrews, Small Farms Extension Agent at the North Willamette Research & Extension Center (OSU). Download the PDF here.

Growing Canola in the Willamette Valley

A new problem appearing in the Willamette is the growing of canola for seed intended to crush for oil. Oregon Department of Agriculture is scheduled to issue a Temporary Administrative Rule on August 10 to allow canola to be grown on 480,000 acres in the Willamette Valley. What's wrong with growing canola? Once canola is in the ground, it is nearly impossible to keep it from cross-pollinating with similar brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, turnips, etc), becoming a noxious weed, and bringing large amounts of pests to the area. This happens due to weather (wind, storms), animals (bees, birds, beetles), and as transportation vehicles travel through even protected areas. Cross contamination of crops can be ruinous to Oregon's specialty seed industry -known around the world for producing excellent quality seeds – and for organically certified farmers since current USDA Organic guidelines do not allow for genetically engineered material. A number of domestic and international seed purchasers have already made statements saying they will no longer purchase seeds from Oregon producers if the Willamette Valley is opened up for canola production.

FOFP opposes the decision to allow the growing of canola in the Willamette Valley due to its potential to drastically and negatively impact both the fresh vegetable and seed crop industry—compounded by the invasive nature of the plant. You can voice your opposition by signing the petition to be sent to Oregon Department of Agriculture in opposition to this decision, by visiting the Friends of Family Farmers petition page at: Canola Petition

Read the full details in the Capital Press and Oregonian articles posted in Media Articles below, or on the Friends of Family Farmers page at: Canola in the valley

Sustainable Agriculture in French Prairie

FOFP supports sustainable agriculture as an approach that moves away from monoculture crops raised thousands of miles away, addresses the high transportation costs associated with monoculture, encourages good land stewardship, helps preserve agricultural lands near metro areas, and helps local farmers prosper.

The farmers and growers in the French Prairie Branding Program practice conventional and/or organic farming practices consistent with the ethos of sustainable agriculture. The result is a wide variety of food products grown locally (see French Prairie Brand page for farm details). Some are certified Century Farms, some new, small farming ventures. All are committed to good farming practices that make the most out of the high quality soil found in French Prairie.

White Papers & Media Articles on the subject

Local subjects (i.e. French Prairie, Oregon, Northwest, etc.)
	ODA expands canola acreage in Willamette Valley February 15, 2013 [Download PDF here]
	New canola rule under fire in legislature February 15, 2013 [Download PDF here]
	Canola in the Valley Winter 2013 [Download PDF here]
	Hearing brings out both sides of canola controversy January 24, 2013 [Download PDF here]
	Lawmakers propose canola ban January 25, 2013 [Download PDF here]
	Canola comment period extended October 19, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	No canola this fall: Oregon Court of Appeals halts attempt to expand planting acres August 31, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Oregon Court of Appeals Order: ODA Temporary Ruling to expand canola growing area August 31, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	100 years later this farm's still growing hops August 27, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Organic hop acres rising as Jan 1 deadline nears August 27, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Final Ruling on canola stay expected soon August 22, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Oregon Appeals Court halts canola rules after farm groups say they would cause irreparable harm August 18, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Canola growing area expands, introducing a seed nightmare into the Willamette Valley August 14, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	ODA Opens More Areas for Canola August 10, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Oregon defines acreage where controversial canola can be grown August 7, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Dairy profits on pampered cows Feb. 10, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Brothers struggle in suddenly acidic soil Feb. 24, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Exhibit unearths mysteries of soil Feb. 24, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Hazelnuts lure grass seed growers Feb. 24, 2012 [Download PDF here]
	Farmers search for alternatives to grass seed August 13, 2011 [Download PDF here]
	Couple Engineers a natural farm May 27, 2010 [Download PDF here]
	Willamette Basin's stream health in jeopardy Oct 20, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Canola good for biofuels, bad for other crops Sept 1, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Oil seed for bio-fuels August 28, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Meat producers feed demand for home deliveries July 3, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	US must cultivate young farmers February 13, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Service separates distributor from competition February 12, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Ag needs to be a priority February 12, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Farmers giving up field after field January 26, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	California drought may mean costlier groceries January 26, 2009 [Download PDF here]
	Drought Losses pass a quarter of a billion dollars September 8, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Plowing a middle ground on farms: Ag and development interests square off December 12, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Best of both worlds unite: organic no-till can save time, fuel and other input costs December 12, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	It Could Happen To Our Food Supply December 5, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Distributors Offer Growers Tips on Marketing Produce November 28, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	ODA - Oregon Agriculture Production 2008 November 27, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Oregon Agriculture: A Success Story Worth Protecting October 7, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Slow Food Nation talks food policy September 5, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Dairyman touts organics September 5, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	ODA Mulls Sustainable Certification August 22, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Virtual Marketplace Goes Online August 22, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Oregon at a Crossroads: Saving French Prairie August 15, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Top Crops (in Oregon) August 9, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Community Supported Agriculture's get their participant's share August 8, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	A Shipping Case In Point: the blueberries’ trek August 8, 2008 [Download PDF here]
National, Global level subjects
	The new face of hunger: Briefings April 17, 2008 [Download PDF here]
	Food Prices--Cheap no more: Opinion December 6, 2007 [Download PDF here]

Relevant and Helpful Links on the Subject