ODA Support, Clarity & Cooperation

Historically, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has focused the majority of their resources on commodity production and export markets.  Until recently, farmers and ranchers have seen few resources put towards the development of regional food systems, even though agency officials acknowledge the value of small to mid-size, diversified family farms/ranches and their contribution to the state’s economy, environment and social structure.  Many farmers and ranchers are asking for increased attention to their issues, and that the ODA shift more resources to match the unique needs of these farmers and ranchers that are an integral part of Oregon’s agricultural community.

The Current Situation

There is a need for infrastructure that supports diversified family farmers/ranchers by state agencies in general, and specifically the Oregon Department of Agriculture:

• All family farmers and ranchers want to be treated as equals by the State and are interested in collaborative problem solving to have their needs met
• ODA could increase its interest in supporting local agriculture by contributing resources to regional food systems and the family farmers and ranchers who operate in these sectors
• Current policies and programs of the ODA do not match the needs of small to mid-size, diverse family farms and ranches who operate differently than single crop, commodity producers
• The ODA prioritizes “food safety” and does not put enough energy and      resources into encouraging direct sales and agricultural enterprises that serve local markets
• Nationally, agriculture has been subject to a “get big or get out” mentality. This mindset has created a glut of services and attention to large, conventional operations, leaving other farms and ranches without equal service
• Many small farms are often referred to as “Hobby or Lifestyle” enterprises, which are disregarded by agency officials

Current information and understanding of how rules and regulations affect all agricultural operations needs improvement:

• Agency representatives and inspectors do not consistently demonstrate adequate knowledge on rules and regulations
• Unclear information and subjective interpretation of laws, rules and regulations confuses and frustrates producers,  while discouraging entrepreneurialism and agricultural business establishment and expansion
• Farmers/ranchers are not getting the answers they seek from the ODA
• Confusion over County, State, or Federal jurisdiction leads to uncertainty and lost time, energy and resources

Our public officials, the Department of Agriculture,  and other state agencies must recognize that:

• The image of Oregon’s agriculture that is often put forward is based on family-scale operations that have been the back bone of this state for generations, and will continue to be with acknowledgement and support
• Farming, ranching and related enterprises, including farmers’ markets, are public resources and beneficial to Oregon in myriad ways
• The small to mid-size, diversified family farm and ranch is crucial to Oregon agriculture and positively impacts local economies, communities and the environment
• Urban agriculture has tremendous potential and great value to our cities and agricultural economy

Priority Action Items

1.  Give the ODA a directive to work with small to mid-size farms/ranches that are serving local and direct markets:

• Establish a Small Farms and Ranches Division of the ODA that is guided by a Farmer/Rancher Advisory Committee to set up clear, clean and consistent guidelines, rules and regulations for family-scale operations
• Balanced representation from small to mid-size farms/ranches who are involved with local markets on Board of Agriculture
• Provide more technical and staff support for direct marketers, regional food system establishment and other under-served farming populations

2.  Have ODA Marketing Division develop local and regional market opportunities in addition to national and international markets:

• Establish a regional marketing plan for food that is grown and sold in Oregon
• Expand marketing opportunities such as year-round farmers’ markets
• Define local and develop strong policies and programs that support local agriculture
• Aid in establishing cooperatives for increased marketing opportunities

3.  Train and educate agency officials and staff people to provide:

• Consistent, reliable responses and interpretation of rules and regulations
• Understanding of federal, state, county jurisdiction
• Working knowledge of rules/regulations and how they affect all operations
• Cooperative, supportive, and helpful service
• A hotline for information
• Good models and legal examples of successful farming operations
• Access for minorities and under-served populations

Back to the issues and action items page>>

Sign on to show your support and endorse the Agricultural Reclamation Act>>

Go to the ARA home page>>