Through good times and economic downturns, agriculture is consistently one of the strongest sectors in Oregon’s economy. That success depends entirely on our protecting Oregon’s family farmers and the land that they need to do their work.

1000 Friends of Oregon has a long history of working within Oregon’s pioneering land use program to protect that land from incompatible uses so that farmers have it available. But long-term success is not just about having the right types land in the right places, which is why we have also worked for decades to help farmers succeed economically so that they face fewer pressures to convert their lands to other uses. But this work is bigger than any single...

March 14, 2018 (St. Helens, OR)—Columbia Riverkeeper filed an appeal today challenging Columbia County’s second attempt to open 837 acres of high-value agricultural land along the Columbia River to industrial development. 1000 Friends of Oregon, Oregon’s statewide land use watchdog, is joining Riverkeeper’s appeal. The Port of St. Helens proposes doubling the size of its rural Port Westward property for fracked gas-to-methanol refineries, oil-by-rail, and other industrial development. Hundreds of people, including local farmers and small business owners, urged the county to protect farmland and salmon habitat from fossil fuel and other heavy industrial development.

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Growing up in New York, AKA “the concrete jungle,” I never had the real appreciation of outdoor space, but always felt an indescribable happiness when around it. A child of immigrants, I was brought up to work hard and make it work – “The immigrant hustle.” I found myself in jobs that paid the bills, but never filled my soul.

Meanwhile, my future in-laws were in Oregon and had purchased two large, adjoining plots of land. I’m not sure they ever truly had a solid idea about what to do with the land, besides an investment property. Back then, zoning was multipurpose use, so they could have done a few things. When they planted the 5-7 acres of grapes in 1981, it was with the guidance of a consultant that referred to the southern exposure. Planting grapes as a...