Between October 2016 and October 2017, four regional meetings were held around the United States between small and very small meat processors, high-ranking USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) officials, and other local meat sector stakeholders and support organizations. The purpose of the meetings was for FSIS officials to tour...
As recent interest has grown in the connections between how food is produced, distributed and consumed, and the overall health of food systems for people and the environment, a movement toward localizing food systems has emerged. In Lincoln County, Oregon, citizens, restaurateurs and university extension faculty, among others, have started...
In recent years, small poultry producers have been interested in finding an alternative for corn and soybean for a variety of reasons. Health concerns related to either naturally occurring isoflavones (phytoestrogens) or their genetically modified organism (GMO) status are the primary considerations behind this trend. Secondly, the recent high prices...
The concept of terroir is commonly used as marketing tool to highlight unique characteristics of regional food products, however there is little scientific evidence of terroir pertaining to cheese. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential impact of milk origin, pasteurization, and commingling on the sensorial, chemical,...
This thesis investigates the success of and challenges facing small farmers operating direct marketing farm businesses in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This qualitative study utilizes participatory methods to gain the unique perspectives of small farmers regarding their success and challenges. Small farms are important players in local food systems and ensuring...
This study investigated the local and sustainable food movements in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The aim of the research was to better understand the current condition of the phenomenon, what it means to the communities studied and the future role it will play in the state. Other research objectives...