It's Organically Grown in Oregon week! Now there are even more reasons to celebrate organic farms and food: new research shows that organic is better for our soil, our bodies and our taste buds.
The proof is in the strawberry
After studying organic and conventional strawberry production in California for two years, researchers discovered that soil in the study’s organic farms was better and the organic strawberries stayed fresh longer and had higher levels of antioxidants and other nutritious compounds. And here’s the kicker: the organic strawberries taste better! That’s because with less water, they had more strawberry goodness per bite.
Help Oregon organics grow and thrive
17.1 million acres of Oregon land is used for farming. And in the last five years, the number of organic farm acres has skyrocketed fivefold. But even with that amazing growth, less than one percent of Oregon's farmland is managed organically today. If we’re going to grow the organic industry beyond its 3% of the U.S. marketplace, it’s time to do more than buy tasty organic strawberries.
An Organically Grown In Oregon Challenge
Challenge yourself to make one meal from all organic ingredients this week. You can find some bargains at the farmer's market by buying the lower-cost organic vegetables at the peak of their season, inexpensive organic cuts of meat, and by going to the bulk bins at your grocery store for organic grains and flour.
Tour an Organic Farm!
Want to learn more about organic farming? Join us in the Willamette Valley on September 22nd or Southern Oregon on the 23rd to meet a family that is part of the Organic Valley farmer-owned cooperative. You’ll see firsthand what kinds of sustainable farming practices they use to produce delicious organic milk, cheese, butter and yogurt—and you can enjoy a locally-catered organic lunch right on the farm!
The tours are free and spaces are limited: The first people to sign up for each tour by 5pm on Friday, September 17th will get to go! Don't miss this rare chance to learn on the ground what organic family farming is all about. And whether you're able to make the tour or not, you can use one of these coupons for Organic Valley Family of Farmers products at your local store.
Your tax-deductible donation will support our work to create healthier food and an unpolluted landscape here in Oregon. For over forty years, we've worked on behalf of Oregon's citizens—supported and guided by a dedicated membership base.
