ENHANCING THE SUCCESS AND VIABILITY OF BEGINNER FARMER RANCHERS IN CENTRAL OREGON

The overall goal is to improve and ensure farm and ranch viability through targeted educational activities, mentoring, improved market access, and diversification.Through the following five objectives, The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) will actively engage with 80 Beginning Farmer Ranchers in Central Oregon; many of whom will participate in multiple objectives. Of the BFR engaged, 85% will attain specific knowledge through participation in workshops and on-farm events, and 80-85% will experience financial gains of 10-15% through improved processes and market access. HDFFA will share successes and this program model with other organziations in Central Oregon and state-wide through their participation in the Oregon Community Food System Network (OCFSN), a network of 53 nonprofits and allies engaged in food systems work, including a BFR state-wide work group. Baseline data will be collected in the first three months of this project, and will be used for measuring all changes over time.Objective I: Provide support for beginning farmers and ranchers to improve farming practices that build upon previous support through workshops, gatherings and networking opportunities.Objective II: Improve market diversification and entry into direct and wholesale markets through technical assistance.Objective III: Support the development and implementation of a regional agritourism project, "Central Oregon Food Trail," in collaboration with Visit Bend, utilizing existing framework established by Travel Oregon.Objective IV: Provide technical assistance to the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch (COVR) for developing and sustaining a veteran-focused program of pasture management for ruminant livestock rearing, with a dual therapeutic and economic focus.Objective V: Educate BFR on understanding and engagement with public policies that affect farm/ranch operations so that participants can navigate current regulations successfully, and engage in shaping future public policy that will enhance their success.