Media

The Oregonian article reported yesterday on how quickly the expansion of the farm-to-table movement is developing here in Portland. The article discusses how the farm-to-table movement has gone from a niche concept used by Portland’s dining elite in to a commonly-embraced mantra of more casual and even fast food restaurateurs and diners alike.

The success of upscale restaurants catering to certain to the well heeled by presenting the wonders of local, seasonal delicacies was never surprising. However, despite the USDA’s best efforts, the farm-to-table movement is beginning to take root in all pockets of the population and all sections of the food industry. For example, there are now local fast food joints delivering farm-raised burgers to Portland State University students, who now rank among their concerns not only their tuition bills, but also where the cow that became their hamburger once grazed. It is becoming commonplace for Northwest chain restaurants to regularly feature seasonal menu items that take advantage of the fresh, local produce that Oregon farmers are contemporaneously harvesting. (Think Asparagus Fries, Walla Walla Sweet Onion Rings, and Pumpkin Milkshakes at Burgerville locations. Yum!)

The burgeoning farm-to-table to movement has brought success to local farmers, local restaurateurs, and to local diners looking to avoid the humdrum experience guaranteed by freezer-to-fryer chains – and the movement only looks to grow. These developments are a good thing for Oregon. Our state is demonstrating itself to be a leader in a growing movement that is advantageous for both the State’s economy and the citizens’ health. We are attracting “new” businesses and jobs in a unique and “emerging” market that promotes Oregon’s best resources – the natural ones that originally sustained our pioneering ancestors!

Our local successes in the “Food Freedom” arena also puts us in the public eye at the center of a movement that is quickly garnering support from the masses and arguably transforming into a revolution. Oregon is providing framework after which like minded farmers and restaurateurs in other states can model their own farm-to-table efforts.

As painful as it might be for some hipster Portlanders to admit, it looks as though the farm-to-table movement is going —gasp¬— “mainstream.” But, in this case, I would submit to you that “going mainstream” is not tragedy to be avoided – it is a testament to the success (philosophical and financial) that new ideas can bring to Oregon -- and beyond.