Page 26 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 2: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Younger Generation will
Diversify Family Farms
Dean Moberg says younger
29
generation farmers are
staying with or returning to
their home farm and diver-
sifying the product mix. An
example is Amy Love, owner
of Love Organics (CSA) who

has taken over a portion of
her family’s farm and grows
organic vegetables.
Vegetables are grown for the fresh market.

Popularity of Direct Market Fresh Produce
While it will probably remain a relatively small sector over the next
10 to 20 years, the number of farms selling fresh vegetables and
fruits directly to consumers and local institutions will continue to
grow, predicts Dean Moberg , Conservationist for the USDA Natural
27
Resources Conservation Service in Washington County.

Consumer interest in obtaining fresh, wholesome food directly from
the farm, meeting the farmer, and having food and farm-based
experiences continues to build within the millennial generation. The

healthy attendance at farmers markets and the increase in Community
Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations supports Moberg’s prediction. Younger generation farmer Amy Love
tends organic vegetable starts.
Photo courtesy of: Mary Stewart
According to Oregon State University's Rural Studies program , food Young adults with no farming
28
sold from the farm, within the region directly to consumers, to local experience are also leasing
institutions, and even large retail chains is also receiving additional small segments of land and
emphasis from producers, consumers, and decision makers. Many successfully raising and mar-
consumers travel to farmers markets or farms to pick up produce. keting agriculture products.
Some farms deliver produce.
Some are finding training
programs to help them learn
Challenges to this segment of the industry include fluctuations in market
interest and profitability, disease and pests, and road safety concerns. how to farm, as well as loan
programs to help them ac-

27 Dean Moberg, Basin Resource Conservationist, Washington County www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/de- quire land and equipment.
tail/or/contact/local/?cid=nrcs142p2_ 046144
28 Oregon Agriculture, Food and Fiber: An Economic Analysis. Oregon State University Extension Service Rural
Studies Program. December 2015.
29 Dean Moberg, Basin Resource Conservationist, Washington County
22 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY