Vancouver Food Network

Oregon Tilth is a non-profit membership organization which works locally and nationally to encourage wholesome, organic food production. Based in Oregon and founded in 1974, it operates a variety of programs, including a USDA-recognized, international organic certification program. As a 501(c)3 membership organization, its general purpose is "to educate gardeners, farmers, legislators, and the general public about the need to develop and use sustainable growing practices." Unlike the Washington Tilth Association, Oregon Tilth is more centralized, with a much broader mission.

Organicology Conference in Portland, February 26-28, 2009

One excellent example of Tilth's work is this month's "Organicology" conference in downtown Portland. Designed to bring together growers, producers, distributors and advocates, it features a wide variety of activities designed to increase connections and build communities. In addition to a series of intensive workshops on various food issues, Organicology also features a variety of speakers, social events and a trade show. Further information is available at the Tilth web site, and is only one example.

In Good Tilth Magazine

Another superb example of Tilth's eclectic and ongoing mission is their magazine, In Good Tilth. Printed quarterly and available for free at various locations throughout the region, In Good Tilth provides free classified ads to Tilth members, and a variety of informative articles and display ads for organic suppliers and producers. New Seasons and all three Portland food co-ops carry the magazine, as well as many libraries. A list of distribution points and an archive of recent issues is available on the Tilth web site as well.

Membership in Oregon Tilth

Membership in Oregon Tilth can take a variety of forms, from individual to household to non-profit to for-profit businesses. With annual and lifetime options, individual membership starts at $30 per year and includes a free classified ad in the magazine, a subscription to In Good Tilth, voting privileges and discounts to various Tilth events.

Contact Information for Oregon Tilth

Oregon Tilth

470 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem OR 97301

http://Tilth.org
(503) 378-0690

For Further Information

• Oregon Tilth's website has general information and specific resources on organic regulations for businesses, OTOC certification, trainings and membership.
• Oregon Tilth's magazine In Good Tilth is also available around and online.
• "Growing Oregon Tilth Capitalizes on Sustainability: Revenue at the Salem-based Nonprofit Rose 50 Percent Last Year" by Melissa Chavez. Portland Business Journal. September 19, 2008.