28 farms will share their local crafts with community visitors on free, self-guided tour
By Cameron Aalto, Ashland.news
Participants are set to tour local farms and ranches and taste a variety of Rogue Valley cultivated foods this coming Sunday, July 14, during the Rogue Valley Farm Tour.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all are welcome to any of the 28 farms opening their (barn) doors to the public.
The official brochure says the event is a widespread effort made to “strengthen our local food system.” To do this, the tours will “empower community members with: better access to locally grown food, knowledge of in-season fruits and vegetables, ecologically sound agricultural practices, economic vitality, (and) celebration and support of our local farmers.”
The event was created by the Medford Food Co-op, Rogue Valley Food System Network, and Ashland Food Co-op.
The tour is split into four regional sections: Grants Pass and Rogue River; Sams Valley; Central Point, Medford, Phoenix, and Ashland; and the Applegate Valley. Each region has at least four farms participating in the event.
The Deets
Rogue Valley Farm Tour
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 14
No entry cost
Some of the entertainment expected at the farms are kids activities, guided tours, live music, and meals for purchase. For more information about what each farm will be providing, click here.
The brochure shares tips for individuals and families taking part in the event. They ask participants to leave pets at home, bring water and a cooler for fresh produce, wear comfortable shoes that can get dirty, and to stay on designated paths.
Participants are encouraged to plan ahead for the event; because of spotty reception services and specific offerings in some areas, the Rogue Valley Farm Tour recommends folks to plan their GPS and mapping services ahead of time, as well as bathroom trips, as some farms do not have public restrooms.
Local farms like the Willow-Witt Ranch, and the Urban Uprise Farm will be partaking in the festivities. Willow-Witt Ranch east of Ashland will offer kids activities and a guided tour on their 445-acre site, and the Urban Uprise Farm in Phoenix will celebrate its grand opening, providing complimentary mimosa’s, raffle opportunities, and fun for kids.
For more information, visit the Rogue Valley Farm Tour’s official website, for general event questions, email info@roguevalleyfarmtour.com.
Ashland.news intern Cameron Aalto is a senior at Southern Oregon University. Email him at aaltoc@sou.edu.
