Summer 2013
I’m not sure when the idea of community supported agriculture first arose in the Gorge, but it began to take root in the regional conscience with the creation of the Gorge Grown Food Network in 2006. As that informal group of farmers, food producers and citizens grew into a Gorge-wide network connecting local farmers with consumers, so too CSA farms began to emerge—as they have elsewhere in the country. There are now 17 CSA farms in the Gorge, where members pay for a farm share at the beginning of the growing season in return for weekly or bi-weekly deliveries of farm-fresh produce. Along with supporting local farmers, CSA memberships foster relationships, conversations and friendships between farmers and consumers. The Gorge, with its relatively long growing season and diversity of food that grows well here, is an ideal place for small farms to thrive. Many CSA farms have waiting lists, so we expect to see more of them emerge in the years ahead as people increasingly seek to eat healthier, locally-grown food. Writer Ruth Berkowitz takes a look at a few of the CSA farms in the Gorge beginning on page 72.
Along with the earth’s bounty comes a lot of other abundance in the Gorge in summer time. David Sword profiles event promoter Chad Sperry (page 20) who has put the Gorge on the bike racing map with events like the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic. Adam Lapierre explores the ever-popular Eagle Creek Trail (page 30), built in the heart of the Gorge a century ago. Photographer John Laptad takes us into the arena at some of the region’s rodeos (page 50). And Erika Rench highlights an historic journey that youth from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs will take this summer as they travel by canoe down the Columbia River (page 65). And there’s more. Grab a carrot or some fresh snap peas, and read on.
Janet Cook, Editor
