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Truffles Feasibility Study Released
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Creamy Dungeness Crab Salad with Oregon black truffles. Chef: Vitaly Paley, Paley's Place, Portland. Photo by Andrea Johnson |
Culinary truffles are a rare, highly-valued commodity, and Oregon has a unique opportunity to become a world leader in truffle production, according to a new marketing feasibility study.
"Oregon Culinary Truffles," released on April 30, notes that truffles require precise growing conditions -- including the climate and soils found in Oregon -- and can be highly profitable, if properly managed and harvested. Since truffles grow symbiotically with the roots of certain trees, they could be a source of supplemental income for woodlot owners, hazelnut producers and others.
The study's authors -- David Pilz, Charles Lefevre, Leslie Scott and James Julian -- compare the potential of the state's truffle production with its burgeoning wine industry.
The project was funded in part by an RBEG grant, administered by CPRCD. Karen Strohmeyer was instrumental in developing the project; design and layout of the project was by Sarah Minier Johnson.
"Oregon Culinary Truffles" is available from CPRCD in PDF format (1.63 MB) |
OARCD Annual Meeting
Promoting Locally-Produced Food was the theme of the Oregon State Association of RC&D Councils' annual meeting, held April 16-17 in Eugene.
Workshop presentations included the following.
- The Farm to School Program, a national program started by USDA that connects schools with local farms. Program goals include serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities and supporting local small farmers. Presenters were Cory Schreiber, Oregon Dept. of Agriculture; Joan Ottinger, Oregon Dept. of Education; and Megan Kemple, Willamette Farm & Food Coalition.
- Getting Locally Produced Food to Local Markets consisted of two presentations. Deborah Kane of EcoTrust discussed Food Hub, an online directory and marketplace that helps link buyers and sellers of regional food. Building Infrastructure for Local Food Distribution was presented by Kelly Hoell of Good Company and Karl Morgenstern of the Eugene Water & Electric Board and president of CPRCD.
- Debra Sohm Lawson, coordinator of CPRCD's Local Food Connection program, presented Setting Up a Local Food Connection in Your Area.
As a result of the meeting, Joan Ottinger of Oregon Dept. of Education requested assistance from statewide RC&Ds to make the Farm to School Program available throughout Oregon. Currently, a successful model program operates in Lane County. |
2009 Calendar |
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Presentation |
"Planting the Seed: Perspectives on Restoration & Conservation of Benton County's Native Prairies" |
Corvallis/Benton Public Library |
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May 7, 7-9 pm |
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Wild Rice Tour |
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May 16 |
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CPRCD Board Meeting |
Tangent |
May 21 |
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NARC&DC Annual Conference |
Albuquerque, NM |
June 14 - 17 |
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CPRCD Board Meeting |
TBA |
July 16 |
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Training Course |
"Wetlands Demystified! Navigating the Complicated World of Wetland Delineation, Regulation & Restoration" by Northwest Environmental Training Center |
Troutdale |
July 28-30 |
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CPRCD Executive Board Meeting |
TBA |
August 19 |
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Native Plant Nursery Partnership
Cascade Pacific RC&D led the development of the Native Plant Nursery Partnership. This project involved developing a MOU and work plan utilizing a steering committee of partners including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS), US Fish & Wildlife (USF&W), Institute of Applied Ecology and The Nature Conservancy. The plan and Memorandum of Understanding explain how the partners will work together to operate and provide native plant materials for restoration projects using the BLM Horning Nursery facility. Start-up funds of $150,000 will be provided by BLM to hire a nursery manager and provide materials and supplies. The project should be self-sustaining through the contractual sale of plant materials to clients such as National Parks Service, Applied Ecology, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Watershed Councils.
| We're currently putting together lists of plant materials needed by local organizations next year. If you need plant materials grown for your restoration sites, contact Karen Strohmeyer. |
Willamette Wetland Restoration Partnership
CPRCD is assisting with the establishment of the Willamette Wetland Restoration Partnership, which includes NRCS, USF&W, ODF&W, Division of State Lands, and Benton, Linn and Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The partnership will implement wetland restoration to reach mutual goals using a targeted watershed approach in the Willamette Valley. A Memorandum of Understanding, Work Plan and budget are in the development stages and will detail how the program will function. |
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Energy Program Update
CPRCD is applying for funding for its new Energy Program, which uses an innovative approach to helping agricultural operations and rural small businesses save money on energy costs.
The Energy Program uses a “one stop,” start-to-finish approach that includes:
 •Assessing needs through interviews and on-site visits.
•Determining eligibility for grants & incentives.
•Evaluating cost-effectiveness of energy-saving improvements & making recommendations.
•Developing a project outline that identifies proposed energy improvements & a timeline for installation.
•Working with engineers, contractors & suppliers to develop energy audits, feasibility studies & proposals.
•Reviewing bids from contractors & suppliers.
•Developing project budgets.
•Packaging proposals for grants & incentives.
•Providing guidance during the construction process.
The program helps operators and business owners generate substantial energy and cost savings while taking advantage of grants and incentives that can pay up to 75% of project costs.
 Energy-saving options are grouped into two areas:
1. Energy efficiency improvements (EEI) upgrade existing systems and result in reduced energy use. EEIs include insulation with greater R-value, and high-efficiency motors, lighting, heating and cooling systems. Irrigation system improvements (such as low-flow sprinklers) can reduce both energy and water consumption.
2. Renewable energy systems (RES) create energy from natural sources that continually recur, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass.
The program is available to qualified agricultural producers and rural small businesses. For information, contact Terry Johnson, Energy Program Manager: 541-760-6444 or terry@casco.net. |
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