Meet OGC Mission Fund Recipient: Rogue Farm Corps
March is National Agriculture Month – it’s a time to celebrate our farmers, farmworkers and everyone dedicated to growing our food. It’s also the perfect time to highlight Rogue Farm Corps, an Oregon nonprofit organization training and equipping the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on education.
The U.S. faces a growing crisis in agriculture: the average farmer is a little over 58 years old, only 9% of farmers are under 35 and 95.4% are white. Without a new, more diverse generation of farmers, the future of our food system is at risk. Rogue Farm Corps is tackling this challenge head-on.
Rogue offers a beginner farmer training program where participants learn by doing - apprenticing at partner farms while getting hands-on experience and educational support. Running from April to October, this program prioritizes ecological, organic and regenerative farming practices. Most partner farms are small-scale, mixed-vegetable operations committed to mentorship and sustainable agriculture. To improve accessibility, Rogue also launched a part-time Regenerative Farming Fellowship program in 2023, designed for those who face greater barriers to entry to farming.
For farmers who’d like to establish their own operations, the Farm Launch provides a six-month business development cohort, offering land access support, networking opportunities and financial guidance. Each year, Farm Launch serves 15 farm businesses from October to March.
In 2024, over 200 people participated in Rogue’s programs, helping to break down the many obstacles new farmers face. They work across Oregon, with a focus on the Portland region, Willamette Valley and Rogue Valley.
Rogue Farm Corps has ambitious goals this year, despite challenges. They secured a USDA grant aimed at increasing accessibility for Spanish-speaking farmers - with federal funding freezes, that initiative is currently on hold. Even so, they remain committed to:
Translating materials to better serve Spanish-speaking farmers.
Training staff on outreach and cultural competency.
Rogue is also working to expand technical assistance, particularly in financial record-keeping and collaborative farming. And they’re hosting more networking events to connect farmers, share business models and access to legal and tax resources.
In 2024, OGC awarded Rogue an unrestricted Mission Fund grant to help further their work.
“We put the grant money into our scholarship fund,” shared Interim Executive Director Matt Gordon. “The scholarships reduce or eliminate program fees, increasing access for underrepresented farmers. While we have small fees to help defray costs, these scholarships ensure that cost isn’t a barrier for anyone wanting to join our programs.”
“Despite challenges, we see hope and momentum,” continued Matt. “More farmers are eager to grow fresh, local food for their communities, and support for sustainable agriculture continues to expand. Thank you, OGC, for your continued support!”
OGC’s Mission Fund Grant Program helps build equity in our regional farm and food system, preserve farmland, educate youth, and more. Rogue Farm Corps is just one of the many organizations the Mission Fund supported in 2024. Find a list of all our 2024 grant recipients here.
