The average age of farmers in Oregon is nearly 60 years old and steadily rising. Without a strategy to assist the next generation of family farmers through access to affordable land, training and markets, Oregon stands to lose 25% to 50% of our farms over the next 20 years according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

In response, we host Oregon Farm Link (formerly iFarm Oregon), to connect new and beginning farmers with landowners who have land for sale, rent, lease or partnership. In addition to land listings, Oregon Farm Link provides a searchable farm job listings page, and a wide range of educational and financial resource links.

Farmers Rising Fist Bump

Oregon Beginning Farmer Policy Successes

Since 2011, Friends of Family Farmers has spent a lot of time at the Oregon Capitol working on behalf of Oregon’s farmers, and that includes many efforts to assist beginning farmers. Beginning farmers bring a unique voice to many policy discussions and we encourage beginning farmers to testify at hearings and make their voices heard. In recent years we have helped pass the following legislation of interest to beginning and farm-direct producers:

Workshops and More

Farm ClassOver the years we have organized workshops, movie showings, social mixers, dances, farm tours, trainings and more support the next generation of Oregon’s farmers. To find out the latest activities near you:

Photo credit: Meaghin Kennedy