Oregon has lost over 2,069 family FARMS SINCE 2017
. . . and urban sprawl isn't to blame.
Oregon has lost over 2,069 family FARMS SINCE 2017
. . . and urban sprawl isn't to blame.
. . . and urban sprawl isn't to blame.
. . . and urban sprawl isn't to blame.
Oregon lost 6% of its farms since the last census period. This decline is due to the economic pressure on family farmers, who are struggling to grow, operate, and maintain profitability in the state. The lack of economic stability for small and mid-sized farms is resulting in consolidation of farmland into the hands of too few.
The loss of family farms has far-reaching consequences, including reduced access to fresh local produce and diminished food security. As farms close, communities face fewer opportunities to enjoy locally grown goods and lose the economic benefits that family farms provide.
Traditional farming models alone don't work as well as they used to. By expanding the permissible uses on agricultural land, we can help farmers diversify their income streams and maintain profitability during challenging economic periods.
Read Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's Statement
The most recent Census of Agriculture highlighted a disturbing loss in farms around the country. Oregon was no exception. Read United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's, press release on the Census, urging policy makers to create multiple streams of income and more competitive models for small-and mid-sized farms.
Land use regulations can preserve our natural resources and manage growth, but they can also hamstring farmers' ability to adapt during challenging times. Updating these regulations to allow for greater flexibility in agritourism activities could provide farmers with the financial stability they need to thrive while continuing to protect our valuable farmland.
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