American Farmland Trust: State Programs - Oregon

American Farmland Trust's projects in Oregon enlist farmers, environmentalists, urbanites and rural dwellers—everyone who must work together if agriculture is to have a chance.

Agriculture Infrastructure Project

When a community loses a farm to development, what is the impact on the farms that remain? The answer can be found through the results of a pilot research project led by AFT in Polk County with partners Oregon State University, Oregon Farm Bureau and the state's departments of Agriculture and Land Conservation & Development. The findings provide an understanding of the factors that lead to a collapse of farming in urbanizing communities. They also offer guidance as we work with farmers and citizens to maintain "agricultural infrastructure"—the conditions in a community that make farming possible.
More information: Oregon State University, Oregon Farm Bureau

Grassland Reserve Program

The United States Department of Agriculture has identified southern Oregon as one of four national areas eligible for a share of $49.9 million in farm bill funds this year. Under the Grassland Reserve Program, ranchers and farmers can get paid for placing native grassland areas into conservation easements.

Integrated Pest Management

AFT and the Environmental Protection Agency have partnered with agriculture researchers and industries in Oregon, Washington and Idaho to help farmers increase their use of Integrated Pest Management strategies. The research will help producers move from use of chemical pesticides to alternative pest control strategies while maintaining or enhancing their current income. Research begins this year in Clackamas, Hood River and Josephine counties.