A major sustainable agriculture conference, Farming and Ranching for Profit, Stewardship, and Community, is scheduled in Portland, Ore. on March 7-9, 2000. Nationally known speakers, producers, researchers, agricultural extension agents and others from the Western U.S. and around the nation will share their sustainable agriculture successes, experiences and research results.

The event is sponsored by the USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (Western SARE) program, with contributions from several land-grant universities and the federal sustainable agriculture effort.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Virginia producer and author Joel Salatin, who will talk about how to increase farm and ranch profits through innovative livestock and ecological practices. Salatin, author of Pastured Poultry Profits and Salad Bar Beef will speak and conduct a workshop at the event. In addition, Oregonian Karla Chambers, co-owner and marketing director of Stahlbush Island Farms, will discuss changes in consumer demand for sustainably grown foods. Stahlbush Island Farms is a 2,000-acre vegetable and fruit production and processing operation that markets its frozen pureed foods worldwide.

The conference will highlight the methods and outcomes of diverse research and education projects funded by the SARE effort, including university-based, on-farm and producer-directed work. Innovative marketing strategies and examples will be shared, and the role of non-profit organizations and public policy in promoting sustainable agriculture will be discussed. The benefits of involving farmers and ranchers in agricultural research is another key element of the program.

A day-long tour will show attendees successful Portland-area farms, direct-marketing approaches, eco labeling successes, and youth and community efforts that relate to local agriculture. Issues about farming in the midst of urban sprawl and regulation will also be discussed.

For more information about the conference or to register, contact Gina Hashagen, Oregon State University, at hashageg@bcc.orst.edu or Tel: (541) 737-5477. Conference information is also on-line at http://wsare.usu.edu/2000.