Growing a Sustainable Portland Metropolitan Foodshed

Authors

Sheila Martin, Portland State UniversityFollow
Kathryn Doherty-Chapman, Portland State UniversityFollow
Robert Wise, Cogan Owens Cogan, LLC
Steve Foust, Cogan Owens Cogan, LLC
Kirsten Greene, Cogan Owens Cogan, LLC
Ellie Fiore, Cogan Owens Cogan, LLCFollow
Ellen Wyoming, Cogan Owens Cogan, LLCFollow
Clark Seavert, Oregon State University
Rebecca Sullivan, Oregon State University
Beth Emshoff, Oregon State University
Anita Yap
Elise Scolnik
Bob Short

Sponsor

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Project SW-143

Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

8-2012

Subjects

Sustainable agriculture -- Oregon -- Portland Metropolitan Area (Or.), Local foods

Abstract

Project Description and Objectives: Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) provided funding for this study to examine key agricultural trends, identify producer needs and define strategies to strengthen the local food production system. The goals of the study are to: Define the Portland Metropolitan Foodshed; identify related agricultural and economic trends and develop a needs assessment based on input from producers and other stakeholders; assemble a regional toolkit of strategies to support evolution of a sustainable Portland Metropolitan Foodshed; work with the City of Damascus, Oregon to test the toolkit on a local level; Develop a research and educational program that supports these goals and supports small and medium farmers in the region. This project differs from many other studies of the barriers and opportunities faced by farmers because it focuses specifically on farms that are trying to survive within a growing metropolitan region. While these farms face significant challenges related to urban growth, they also have significant opportunities as urban consumers begin to demand food that is grown locally and sustainability and food related experiences that can supplement farm income.

Description

This is the Final Report. This report was produced for Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/13010

Citation Details

Martin, S., Doherty-Chapman, K., Wise, R., Foust, S., Sullivan, R., and Seavert, C., and Scolnik, E. "Growing a Sustainable Portland Metropolitan Foodshed." Report produced for the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Project SW-143. August 2012.