Microfarm Sustainable Research and Education Promoting profitable, sustainable small farming and local food systems for a more secure future. Home Page About Us Events Farming Info Agricultural Links Weather Contact Us 19940 SE Webfoot Rd Dayton, Oregon 97114-8828 (503) 868-7679

| | Our Mission: Our mission is to promote profitable, sustainable small farming and local food systems for a more secure future. Our Vision: A balanced, rural/urban society where farmers and consumers come together to ensure the profitable production of food and other crops while maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a safe, abundant, healthy food supply for themselves and future generations. Our Core Values: We believe that rural landowners have the right to make a profit on their land, but they also have the obligation to do so in a sustainable manner that will preserve the land and its food-producing capabilities for the future. We believe that small family farms promote unity in and a better quality of life for the farm family. We believe that small family farms are an integral and important part of a whole community, necessary to support our business and agricultural economies. We believe that small family farms are a necessary link between rural and urban residents, providing food, other necessary commodities, and a wider view of the world. We believe on-farm experiences develop a sense of responsibility in children and teach them to respect themselves, other people, animals, and the environment. Greenhouse Production Program: Microfarm's dream of being able to hold hands-on greenhouse classes is getting closer. With the completion of two 30'x96' geenhouses, we will be able to offer training to a greater number of adults and youth in the area of greenhouse management. During the last five years of presenting hydroponic enterprise training, our main request has been for hands-on training in a commercial environment. Microfarm has moved closer to fulfilling this need. When operational, Microfarm's greenhouse will act as a hands-on lab for those wishing to develop skill in year-round vegetable and fruit greenhouse production. Although aimed at those wishing to pursue a career in agriculture, most classes will also benefit the home gardener. Due to its environmental benefits of water savings, herbicide elimination, pesticide reduction, and fertilizer management, a sizable portion of the growing area in the greenhouse will be devoted to hydroponics. Several hydroponic systems will be showcased using both standard and organic methods. One greenhouse bay will be devoted to cool weather crops such as lettuce and herbs and to aquaponics. The second bay will be devoted to warm weather crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, citrus, and strawberries. Commercial operations as a matter of course do not allow visitors for fear of plant damage and disruption of operations. Ag teachers in our schools face a lack of time and resources to set up a meaningful production system due to work load and lack of student participation during school breaks. Those wishing to learn hands-on greenhouse practices will have the opportunity to come in at any time of the year to participate in seeding, transplanting, fertilization, pest control, pruning, and harvesting. School age students will benefit in making practical applications of mathematics, science, English, and business. Those wishing to develop hands-on experience in Farmer's Marketing and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations will also have that opportunity. As a nonprofit operation, food produced in excess of costs will be donated to local food banks and shelters. In addition to supplementing Microfarm's off-site seminars, this greenhouse will be available for tours and educational training for local schools and homeschool students and their parents. Our existing 18'x36' greenhouse will continue to be used for various projects.     Some photographs courtesy of Oregon Dept of Agriculture. Home | AboutUs | Events | Farming Info | Agricultural Links | Weather | Contact Us