That's My Farmer: Farmers Gather For Local Support

That's My Farmer is a partnership of 15 Lane County faith communities and 11 farms that practice Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). It was an event packed full of residents that were a part of the the faith communities and also of citizens interested in supporting the local economy. What lured me to go was the farmers connecting with the community. I first learned about Community Supported Agriculture about two years ago when I watched the documentary film The Future of Food. Community Supported Agriculture is when people buy directly from the farmer rather than go through a grocery store. People purchase a package at the beginning of the growing season and receive a box full of produce every week until the end of the season, usually May through October.

It is my belief that being a part of this community involves supporting local businesses, local non-profits, and supporting local issues. Eugene is such a great city that understands this concept which can efficiently organize people with ideas and movements. The farmers raised questions for Eugene's Mayor, Kitty Piercy, which were tactical and intelligent. They raised environmental awareness and concerns and displayed a working knowledge of the issues facing the planet such as climate change and issues more local such as the urban growth boundary. Supporting local farmers through the practice of Community Supported Agriculture ends your support of produce bought from grocery stores that can be shipped from up to 1600 miles away.



Mayor Kitty Piercy led a strong stance for the work she has supported in terms of sustainability. She stated that supporting green buildings, alternative energy, and local developments are all a part of solving climate change which she has stood for as Mayor. More importantly she highlighted the fact that we must all do our part and that their is no one solution. She also acknowledged that the space we need to continue growing food is extremely limited. She answered a raised questioned about future generations and farming by professing that "maybe we need to take back some of the concrete!" Her awe inspiring speeches led to a cheerful applause that gave myself and others hope for the future of Eugene despite the challenges ahead.

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