Our strategic priorities for 2022-24 are aimed at creating a stronger, more connected food system in Southern Oregon:

• Become the Hub: We aspire to be the hub for food systems-related work in Southern Oregon, bringing together diverse voices and ideas to create a unified front for positive change. We do this by working closely with our local, regional and statewide food systems partners to stay aware of trends, policy changes, funding opportunities, and resources to share locally. 
• Sustainability and Visibility: We seek to bolster the sustainability and visibility of local food and farming businesses and organizations, making their contributions more prominent and impactful. We do this through our online directory, community gatherings, and the annual publication of the Rogue Flavor Guide. 
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is woven into everything we do, ensuring that our work benefits all members of our community. In 2023, we hosted an Antiracism and Decolonial Agriculture Winter Speaker Series with the intention to bring together diverse voices in agriculture to support our local communities in learning and integrating the distinct and varied ways of farming, tending land, and understanding the challenges faced by Black, Indigenous and Latinx farmers and farmworkers.
• Convening with Purpose: We are dedicated to facilitating meaningful gatherings that catalyze action, uniting individuals and organizations to enact tangible change. From our impactful Food Solutions Summit in March to our monthly council meetings, which convene 18 organizations spanning diverse sectors of the food system, and our Community Compost listening sessions where we collaborate with local grassroots groups alongside representatives from DEQ, our mission is to foster inclusive dialogues that address critical and complex issues that affect us all.

In addition to our strategic priorities, we are excited to share a significant milestone on our journey: the Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment update. This update is a crucial step in ensuring that our work remains informed by the most current data and community input. We have been actively engaging with community members, experts, and stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives that will guide our efforts in the years to come. The updated assessment will provide us with a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities in our region’s food system, enabling us to tailor our initiatives more effectively and address the evolving needs of our community. 

Your support this giving season directly contributes to this vital update, helping us make informed decisions that will shape the future of the Rogue Valley’s food system. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and equitable community through the power of food.