February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Farm Corps

February's Change for Good Partner is

 

Rogue Farm Corps

local nonprofit Rogue Farm Corps

Rogue Farm Corps by Shawn Linehan
Photo by Shawn Linehan

Rogue Farm Corps envisions a world in which land is deeply cared for, power is equitably shared, and farms, ranches, and the people who work them flourish.

 

Rogue Farm Corps trains and equips the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on educational programs and the preservation of farmland. They operate throughout Oregon and were founded here in the Rogue Valley almost 20 years ago.

Rogue Farm Corps

RFC’s newest program is Farm Launch, born from the recognition of how daunting it is for many new farmers to start a business and navigate the process of securing land tenure. Each year from October to March, Farm Launch provides in-depth technical support to a cohort of 10 beginning farmers and ranchers who will take the next steps towards accessing land and establishing their farm businesses.

Alongside Farm Launch, we also now provide business support services to our Farmer Training Program graduates. Hot topics include business structures and formation, setting up accounting systems, product pricing, business banking, establishing recordkeeping systems, and writing business plans.

One such graduate who we worked with last year, Corinne Stephens, operates Pistil Flowers in Grants Pass. Corinne shares, “The RFC grad support has been tremendously helpful in providing feedback and resources for my next steps forward as a farming business. The overall support I have received this season has really empowered me to keep going with my farming dreams and goals. I have gained so much clarity and insight and feel confident pursuing my goals with the guidance from this program. I am grateful to be a part of this network and community!”  

Rogue Farm Corps by Milk and Peonies
Photo by Milk and Peonies

Rogue Farm Corps trains and equips the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on educational programs and the preservation of farmland. 

Values:

Stewardship - protecting farmland and promoting agricultural practices that restore water, soil and biodiversity.

Mentorship - sharing knowledge and experience across generations through hands-on, experiential education and learning. 

Collaboration - joining forces with partners and allies to advance shared goals and act together for a livable future. 

Systemic change - addressing disparities in the food system to achieve equitable access to education, training, land, and capital, and building diverse, adaptable communities able to thrive in a changing climate.

Rogue Farm Corps by Jon Moore
Photo by Jon Moore

 

Interested in becoming a host farm, applying for internship or apprenticeships, or learning more about Rogue Farm Corps? 

Visit roguefarmcorps.org 

Rogue Farm Corps

Rogue Farm Corps was voted on by our owners in our 2021 election to be a Change for Good Partner.

Through the cumulative register round up donations over the course of this month ~ our shoppers will help support this local nonprofit organization and the work that they are doing in our community.

 

Change for Good

What is Change for Good?

The AFC Gives committee focuses on ways that the Co-op community can support local organizations and groups doing important work in the Rogue Valley.

2020 was the first year of Change for Good, a register round-up program to benefit a slate of ten organizations, voted on by Co-op owners, through the cumulative donations of shoppers choosing to round-up their shopping total to the nearest dollar.

From one cent to 99 cents, it all adds up to feeling good about supporting the community.

More Co-op News

A Visit with Rolling Hills

Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.

A Visit with Magnolia Farms

 

 

 

Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.

A Visit with Emerald Hills

Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.

A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker

Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.

January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring

Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.

Rogue Valley Mentoring Circle

Shopping Safely & Efficiently

 

As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees. 

To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.

In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:

10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times

By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.

 

Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.

Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers

To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask. 

From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror

By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee

Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk? 

November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges

It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered. 

End of year wrap-up on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op

Hi there. I hope this finds you well. It’s me, Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management (SEM) intern for the Ashland Food Co-op. The global and local crises have only devolved into further chaos since we last spoke. As we sit with the reality of coworkers, neighbors, and friends who’ve lost their homes and businesses to the recent fires, and thousands more across the nation losing their loved ones to COVID-19, I imagine many are feeling frozen and powerless to help those that are suffering.