Microfarm Sustainable Research and Education
Promoting profitable, sustainable small farming and local food systems for a more secure future.
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Microfarm Sustainable Research and Education
Who we are
Microfarm Sustainable Research & Education is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation formed to maintain a way of life, the family-owned and family-operated, small farm.
What does Microfarm do?
We help save farmland and, with it,
the environment,
our local food supply
and our local economy
by helping small acreage farmers and their families gain the knowledge, skills, and resources that they need to achieve a sustainable, environmental, and profitable farm life.
Saving farmland means more than just putting farmland into a trust or outside urban growth boundaries. It means having someone on the farm who can use that farmland environmentally, productively, and profitably. It means having an environmentally-sound greenspace that contributes food resources and economic stability to the local community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to aid rural residents living on small acreages to achieve economic independence by finding farming alternatives that will bring in sufficient income to keep rural residents and families on their land and to keep that land productive.
What Do Small Farms Mean To Your Future?
Diversity - Varied farm structure gives us a diversity of farm sizes, ownership, crops, and rural landscapes.
Environment - A well-managed farm promotes stewardship of our natural resources, soil, water, and wildlife.
Food System - Locally grown food is not only fresher, better tasting and more nutritious, but it reduces the economic and environmental costs associated with long distance transportation.
Community Responsibility - Small farms produce more economic opportunities for rural communities. They offer individuals self-employment and business management opportunities. They provide a greater sense of personal responsibility and pride of accomplishment. Small acreage farmers are more likely to be involved in local church, school, and community activities.
Places for Families - The most important crop ever raised on a farm is the next generation. These farms provide a nurturing place for children to learn the values of responsibility and hard work.
Personal Connection to Food - The small acreage farmer engaged in direct marketing is connecting the American farmer with the remaining 98% of this nation's population.
Economic - Four out of five jobs in Oregon are either directly or indirectly involved in agriculture, which is still one of the top revenue producers in the state. Three-quarters of this state's farms are less than 180 acres. These farms support businesses throughout the state through their purchases.
Some photographs courtesy of Oregon Dept of Agriculture.
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