2011 Organically Grown in Oregon Week Events

Organically Grown in Oregon

September 12 to 18, 2011, marks Organically Grown in Oregon Week, a tradition that began in 1988 to celebrate Oregon's organic industry and recognize the leaders of the movement. To introduce Oregonians to the state's riches, a selection of organic farms, retailers, certifiers and farmers markets have lined up a slate of educational, family-friendly activities that will provide firsthand experiences with exposure to the cornucopia of delicious, healthful foods produced by the local organic community.

2011 Organically Grown in Oregon Week Events:

Oregon's Governor Honors 23nd Organically Grown in Oregon Week

During the week-long celebration, Oregon retailers, farmers, value added producers, farmer's markets, and industry specialists around the state will host special events to spot light all that has been accomplished in this vital segment of Oregon's economy. On September 13 from 11:30 to 1:30, Oregon Organic Coalition will present its 2010 Awards in Excellence during a luncheon ceremony in Portland. Awards are given in the following categories: Farm: Crops, Farm: Livestock, Farmworker (organization or individual), Processor, Wholesaler, Consumer Advocacy Group, Organic Policy Analyst,Environment & Health Group, Certifier, Retailer, Scientist, Organic advocate (individual). Last year King Estate Winery received the award for Crop Farm. King Estate grows over 1,000 acres of Oregon Tilth-certified organic grapes and other crops southwest of Eugene. Founded in 1991, the family-owned and operated business is a leader in sustainable and certified organic wine production and home to a progressive culinary program featuring local and organic cuisine.

Friday, September 16:

Willamette Valley:
- FREE! Organic Wine Tasting Weekend
  
  In Vino Veritas! In wine (there is) truth…In Oregon we truly have something to celebrate in the quality and abundance of wine offered by our vineyards and wine makers! Visit the tasting rooms at Amity Vineyards (map), Cooper Mountain (map) and King Estate (map) on OGOW weekend, September 16th, 17th and 18th and taste Oregon wines made from certified organically grown grapes. Mention Organically Grown in Oregon Week (OGOW) for a free sampling of some of their featured tastings. Raise a glass, taste the terroir that can only be Oregon organic! Open to the public.
SPRINGFIELD:
- Springfield Farmers' Market Celebrates Organically Grown in Oregon Week
  
  3PM - 7 PM, demo at 3PM, beer tasting at 5PM
  5th and A street below Springfield Public Library
  Springfield Farmers’ Market will host a free two hour canning and pickling demo followed by beer tasting on September 16th, 2011. The events are part of a statewide weeklong celebration of Oregon’s organic growers and the consumers who support them.
  
  Springfield Farmers’ Market is excited to host We Can: A Historical Retrospective of the Art and Science of Pickling Vegetables on September 16th, 2011 from 3PM to 5PM at 5th and A Street. Partners Skinner City Farm, the Center for Appropriate Transport, and the Lane County Extension will bring the bicycle-transported Mobile Cannery kitchen to the library fountain in downtown Springfield for a unique food preservation demonstration. Through this demonstration market customers will learn about food preservation techniques from the past and how to safely use those techniques today. This free event does have limited seating and to ensure a spot those interested should RSVP to Skinner City Farm at 541-344-8322. Drop-ins will be welcomed as space allows.
  
  Also on tap for Organically Grown in Oregon Week at the farmers’ market is a tasting by Bend, Oregon based craft brewer Deschutes Brewing. Hitting the tasty sweet-spot between Ambers and Pale Ales, Green Lakes Organic Ale is brewed in an organically certified brewhouse with 100% organic malts, and hops specially cultivated to preserve spawning streams. Green Lakes Organic Ale has won many awards internationally including a Gold medal at the 2011 Brewing Industry International Awards. A representative from Deschutes Brewery will be on sight to pour tastings of the popular aromatic ale from 5PM to 7PM.
  
  Springfield Farmers’ Market- Fresh and Lively Every Friday in Downtown Springfield!
  
  Additional Information: Contact Lee Warnecke at 345.7106; lee (at) nedcocdc (dot) org or visit http://www.springfieldfarmersmarket.net

Saturday, September 17:

PORTLAND:
- Oregon Tilth Open House and Plant Sale at Luscher Farm! - 10am - 3pm
  Celebrate Organically Grown in Oregon Week with a visit to Oregon Tilth’s demo garden at Luscher Farm! Stroll through our bountiful garden and see organic practices in action, attend a free garden demonstration, celebrate the harvest with other community members, and purchase seeds and plants for your fall garden!
  
  Celebrate the Harvest with us!
  - Attend a free garden demonstration on Putting Your Garden To Bed. Demos are scheduled from 11:00-11:30am and 1:00-1:30pm. Meet in the garden!
  - Come see the lively farm chickens and take a self-guided tour through our teaching garden to get inspired with ideas you can try at home.
  - Load up on fall vegetable starts and cover crop seeds at our mini-plant sale!
  Luscher Farm is located at 125 Rosemont Road, West Linn OR 97068

Sunday, September 18:

Check out this great opportunity to get educated in organic gardening:

Dig in with Oregon Tilth’s
Comprehensive Organic Gardener Program
NEW! Evening classes in Sellwood!
$250 or $225 for Tilth members
September 28th – October 19th on Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am-3:00pm

In partnership with Seattle Tilth, Oregon Tilth offers a multi-session program in organic vegetable gardening. The curriculum merges scientific and functional approaches, while emphasizing hands-on practice. This unique and popular course is designed to give the beginning gardener an introduction into the dynamic world of organic gardening and an opportunity to get their hands dirty in the process! Students can expect to learn all of the basic concepts involved in organic food gardening including building healthy soil, garden planning and crop rotation, planting techniques, season extension and other methods for gardening year round, organic pest and disease control, water conservation and seed saving. By the end of class, participants will be ready to install and plant a veggie garden!
Course fee includes: