PDX Slow Food member and 2006 Terra Madre delegate, Laura Masterson. will talk about growing produce for Portland residents, seasonally and sustainably, based on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model.

Laura will also talk about the benefits of being on the edge of the UGB (proximity to "co-producers", potential for farm education, and lots of volunteers), and also some of the challenges (pressure from development & other competing uses, prohibitive land costs). The visit will start with a walk around the fields and talking about the nuts & bolts of sustainable farming, then there will be a discussion about the bigger picture... the notion that public lands can and should be used for organic agriculture and the public benefit that brings, how we should be planning for sustainable food systems on a local, regional and national scale.

The evening will conclude with a potluck picnic. Bring a dish to share that does not require heating. Also, be sure to bring your own wine or other drink, plates, utensils, glasses, etc., and a blanket to sit on.

About Luscher Farm, in addition to the CSA, this historic property includes Community Garden plots, a Children’s Garden, Backyard Wildlife Habitat Gardens, the Oregon Tilth Research and Education Center, woods and wetlands.

What: tour of Luscher Farm, discussion with Laura Masterson followed by a potluck picnic
When: Sat. August 11th
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Place: Luscher Farm in West Linn (Lake Oswego). The Luscher Farm property is located at 125 Rosemont Rd, just east of Stafford Rd.. Specific directions can be found on the 47th Ave. Farm website: www.47thavefarm.com/pages/Contact.html
RSVP: rsvp@slowfoodportland.com