Growing a Sustainable Portland Metropolitan Foodshed

Growing a Sustainable Portland Metropolitan Foodshed

Summary

Since our last report in January 2011, we have accomplished the following:

• Adopted a definition of the metropolitan foodshed;
• Developed a sustainability framework;
• Completed the Part 1 literature review that identifies Barriers and Opportunities;
• Developed an outreach plan;
• Collected survey data from over 100 small- and medium-sized farms;
• Performed extensive interviews with five core farmers;
• Drafted the current situation report, which includes an analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing urban-influenced farmers in the region. The report is attached.

• Current Situation Report with Appendixes

Objectives/Performance Targets

• We have adopted this definition and used it to solicit data from farmers. We have conducted the regional foodshed analysis that characterizes the scope, nature and trends of the regional food economy.

• Using the results of the literature review, the foodshed analysis and the surveys and interviews, we have developed a list of barriers and opportunities faced by urban-influenced farmers in the metropolitan region. They are included in the attached report.

•This is primarily a year 2 activity. We are in the process of designing toolkits that address the barriers and opportunities identified in the report.

Accomplishments/Milestones

• Definition of the Portland Metropolitan Foodshed – Complete

• Define Sustainability for the Foodshed – Complete

• Literature Review: Foodshed Approaches, Case Studies and Key Issues – Complete

• Portland Region Food System Economic Profile – Complete

• Core Farmer Group Interviews – Complete

• Farmer Surveys – Complete. Fiftytaken on line and 65 collected at North Willamette Horticulture Society Meeting taken by 65 growers.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

We have circulated the concept within our small producer group; broader circulation will occur once the toolkit is developed.

Collaborators: