Lane County Food System Assessment

WFFC's research committee is researching the paths food travels to reach Lane County consumers. The committee seeks to know what percentage of food purchased in Lane County is actually grown here and what the potential is for increasing purchases of locally grown foods. The information the research committee gathers will be used to inform the general public about local agriculture and to inform policymakers about ways to support it. The committee conducted a survey of Lane County farmers (pdf) to learn more about farmers' participation in local food markets as well as to include farmers in the Food Directory. You can read the survey results (pdf).

The Lane County Food System Assessment Fact Sheet (pdf) is a compilation of existing information about agricultural production, land use, and food security in Lane County. You might be surprised to learn that:

• Of the 76,782 acres harvested in Lane County in 1999, less than 20% were food crops.
• The Lane County Farmers Market reported $1.15 million in total sales in 2001.
• Of all Oregon counties, Lane County ranks 3rd in peppermint production, 4th in wine grape production, and 5th in hazelnut trees.

A full report by Lauren K. Maul is also available: A Compilation of findings and suggestions for future research (pdf)

Willamette Farm and Food Coalition
PO Box 41672, Eugene OR 97404-0389 (541) 341-1216
E-Mail WFFC (this page last updated on March 3, 2007)