Farming for Social Benefit, Mutual Aid and Sliding Scale Viability

Strategic Planning for a Viable Farm Business

Join us on September 20th, at the Albina Library for an evening workshop focused on the foundational economic planning of starting a farm business with shiny of Scrapberry Farm.

This free event is an opportunity to learn from a local farmer about the different social, communal, and economic commitments that shape a farm identity and practice.

At the end of this workshop, an engaged participant will be able to:

• Understand the sliding scale as a tool of economic justice.
• Understand the psychology of effective sliding scale practices.
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of a sliding scale business model.
• Understand and implement practices that enable better and more effective sliding scale relationships between farmers and their communities.
• Ensure they are rooted in promoting access, and not scarcity-driven fear.

The workshop will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions and connect directly over dinner.

Register today!

Date & Time

Thursday, September 20, 2025

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Where

Albina Library, Community Room 2A

205 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212

Parking

Free parking lot

Food

We’ll share a meal, with omnivore, gluten-free, and plant-based options provided.

This gathering is intended for the farmers, growers, producers, and land stewards who are building a farm business, growing food, and caring for land in the Portland foodshed.

Family-Friendly

Children are welcome.

Language

The primary language of the session is English. If you need interpretation, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Cost

Free

Registration closes 24 hours before the session begins or once sold out.

This workshop is presented by Ecotrust in partnership with Black Food Sovereignty Coalition

Ecotrust is a regional nonprofit working in partnership from California to Alaska toward the vision of a more just, prosperous, and climate-smart future. Ecotrust’s mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. Our goal is to foster a natural model of development that creates more resilient communities, economies, and ecosystems here and around the world. Our approach focuses on impact at the intersections of equity, the economy, and the environment. Together, we uplift Indigenous leadership to respond to contemporary land and water management challenges, connect schools with local producers, provide technical support for community-centered businesses, and more.

The Black Food Sovereignty Coalition's (BFSC) mission is to ignite Black and Brown communities to participate as owners and movement leaders within food systems, placemaking, and economic development. We serve as a collaboration hub for Black and Brown communities to confront the systemic barriers that make food, place and economic opportunities inaccessible to us. BFSC is focused on meeting these barriers with creative, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

Water: Please bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic containers.

Food: Our shared meal will include omnivore, gluten-free, and plant-based options. We invite you to bring a meal that supports your own personal wellness needs in place of what is provided, if needed.

Bathroom: There are multiple gender-neutral bathrooms. There are also multiple sinks for hand washing and a water bottle filling station.

Sensory Environment: There may be multiple conversations or background noise happening at once.

Interaction level: Medium. A presentation will be provided, followed by a facilitated Q&A. We will invite guests to share their insights. Participating in the conversation is optional.

Animals: No animals are permitted on site except qualified service animals under the ADA. Service animals must be kept on leash and under control. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on site. If there are questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]

Email [email protected] if you have additional questions or accommodation requests. Please email requests at least 2 weeks in advance when possible.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Multnomah County Library - Albina, 205 Northeast Russell Street, Portland, United States