This is why we need local farmers and ranchers
Learning from the past, working toward a better future
In the 1970’s, Yamhill County argued that the soils of the Dundee Hills were too shallow and rocky for agriculture and tried to rezone them for development. Thankfully, this land was protected from development by Oregon's land use system, and was in the future found to be more than suitable for growing grapes. The Dundee Hills are now home to more than two dozen wineries. Wine was a future that was not foreseen for so much of Oregon’s land.
Right now, we are living in one of those unanticipated futures, one in which open space and local food seem more important than ever.
A significant interruption in our food systems
As you well know, we are experiencing a significant interruption in the systems that we may take for granted as COVID-19 spreads across the world. From an over-burdened medical system to the social contracts implicit in a smile, no stone is left unturned, including our food systems.
While some of our most vulnerable community members are no longer able to safely grocery shop, others are buying up food staples in a frenzy. Grocery workers and others are now being recognized for the essential service they provide, and some are falling ill. So too are those who process our food in large-scale operations all over the country and world.
Nearly half of COVID-19 “hotspots” in the US are linked to meat packing plants. According to USA Today more than 10,000 workers in 170 meat and poultry processing plants across 29 states have tested positive for COVID-19 as of May 6. More than 40 plants across the United States have closed for some period of time due to outbreaks and the US may be facing a meat shortage and general scarcity of everyday products.
This is why we need our local farms and ranches
Amidst all the challenges presented by the previous few months, I have experienced a renewed sense of gratitude for Central Oregon farmers and ranchers and what they provide for us.
Local farms like Boundless Farmstead and Rainshadow Organics can provide a complete diet of food that is sustainably and safely harvested no more than a few hours from where we shop and eat. Supply chains aren’t interrupted by travel restrictions, and food passes through very few hands when delivered straight from farmers to us through CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) or vendors like Central Oregon Locavore or Agricultural Connections.
Agricultural Connections has been supplying more than 250 local and organic harvest boxes per week during the COVID crisis! That's 4x as many boxes as they would typically sell during this time period. Central Oregon Locavore has also seen an uptick in sales as we all realize the importance of local food systems. Check out their websites and sign up for some nutritious, locally sourced necessities.
Buying local to build resilience
“Buying local” is more than a pithy bumper sticker slogan, it is about resilience during unanticipated events like the one we’re living through now.
Thank you for your partnership in our work to protect resource land in Central Oregon – together, we are building toward a vision of sustainable, healthy communities in balance with nature, waterways and wildlife.