Sustainable Agriculture

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.

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.

Great and Growing

A report from 1000 Friends of Oregon

1000 Friends of Oregon released a major report on Oregon’s agriculture industry in December, 2013. Entitled Great & Growing: People and Jobs in Oregon’s Agri-Cluster, the report aggregates and shares key information about employment, exports, and community impacts of Oregon agriculture. This report is must reading for those interested in and supportive of Oregon agriculture, and certainly should be of interest to all those curious about the size and importance of agriculture as an economic sector in the State’s economy. Download Great & Growing in 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.

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.

Relevant and Helpful Links