Local, regional and community food systems

Community food system programs

• Oregon Community Food Systems Network: The Oregon Community Food Systems Network (OCFSN) is a partner of OSU Extension. OCFSN is a collaboration of 57 nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening local and regional food systems to deliver better economic, social, health, and environmental outcomes across the state.
• Center for Resilient Agriculture & Food Systems: This OSU College of Agricultural Sciences center provides innovative research, collaborative partnerships, community-driven initiatives, Extension programs and diverse perspectives to transform agriculture and food systems into a force for positive change.
• Farm to School: Farm to School supports Oregon's farmers, creates jobs, and strengthens local economies. It helps kids by providing access to and teaching them about fresh foods. It increases access to local healthy foods in schools, and it is stewarding the land for future generations.
• OSU Small Farms: The goal of the Small Farms program is to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of small farms by employing appropriate scale production and marketing techniques.

Featured Resources

Credit: Audrey Comerford (Cropped from original)

Adding U-pick or U-cut options to your farm

Considering adding a U-pick or cut to your business? This guide provides useful considerations and tips for a successful operation, including infrastructure, risk management, marketing and more.

Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Photo: Sarah Howard (Cropped from original)

Working with food hubs to grow your farm business

Discover how partnering with local food hubs can help you grow your farm business by unlocking new wholesale and institutional markets. This guide walks you through what to look for in a hub and how to determine if it fits your products, scale and goals.

Evie Smith | Apr 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Latest Resources

Oregon by the Numbers

County profiles highlight data for all of Oregon’s 36 counties. From population demographics to data about households experiencing financial hardship to top employment industries, county profile pages give readers an at-a-glance, visual way to learn about their county.

Oct 2025 | Online resource

Lunch across America

From museum magic to school lunch makeovers, The Henry Ford’s team serves up innovation, inspiration and a national movement for edible education. Grab your tray—this one’s delicious!

Michelle Markesteyn, PhD, Rick Sherman | Oct 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Photo: Spruce Studio (Cropped from original)

Planting the next decade: One state’s 10-year vision for Farm to School

How can a 10-year plan spark a movement? Hear how Oregon farmers, schools, and partners grew a bold vision for the future of Farm to School—turning strategy into community-powered change.

Michelle Markesteyn, PhD, Rick Sherman | Oct 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)