Rural Roots is a non-profit organization founded in Moscow, ID that focuses on enhancing the economic viability of sustainable and organic farms, ranches, and local food systems throughout Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We believe this is a foundation from which to build strong, healthy, sustainable communities.
Our primary activities are: 1) developing and providing educational programming and resources for sustainable small farmers & ranchers; and 2) being a “voice” for sustainable small farmers & ranchers. In addition, Rural Roots strives to develop relationships, strengthen networks and increase collaboration between producers, consumers, food & agricultural organizations/agencies and policy makers.
Rural Roots has provided our local community and the inland Northwest with email listservs that keep our many subscribers apprised of farming and direct marketing activities in the region and beyond, including educational and networking events. The listservs also provide an opportunity for small farmers and ranchers to reach out to an extensive audience with questions, requests and experiences pertinent to sustainable agriculture. The Rural Roots website (ruralroots.org) also provides a reliable public platform for accessing regionally relevant sustainable agriculture and direct marketing resources as well as information regarding upcoming events.
The Rural Roots Speaker Series has been a huge success in recent years. These talks on the second Wednesday of each month draw in a diversity of farmers, gardeners and supporters of local food systems who come together to learn and network. This series has provided opportunities to strengthen ties between farmers and the community. It is a relaxed environment that also fosters quality relationships between farmers, leading to invaluable educational and business connections. On-farm workshops and tours hosted by Rural Roots are another educational/networking venue focused more specifically on farmers, both established and beginning. Topics vary, but a common thread within all of these activities is sustainable farming and ranching methods and experiences. Hope to see you there!
July 12 – Tree Fruit Harvest & Post-Harvest Handling.
Presented by Wilson Banner Ranch. Tentative.
August 9 – Twisted Vine Wine & the Lewis-Clark AVA.
Presented by Clint Hoiland, owner of Twisted Vine Wine Tours.
About the Author:
Karen Chojnacki is the owner/farmer of Reverie Farm Llc in Troy, ID (reveriefarmllc.com), where she trials over 100 species of medicinal herbs using sustainable practices and serves as a Rural Roots board member.