Protecting Oregon Farmland: Diarize Kick-Off to Third Annual Cheers to the Land Celebrations
October 12 is the date to diarize – that is when the Cheers to the Land campaign kicks off, showcasing new beverages on the Oregon market at tap takeovers, beer dinners, and releases.
Organized by the nonprofit Oregon Agricultural Trust (OAT), the campaign aims to help protect farmland and showcase local-grown ingredients in new products released across the state from October to November.
Kombucha and 13 Breweries are Featured
Cheers to the Land is represented this year by 13 breweries, a kombucha maker, and a cidery. This is the third year the event is taking place and is sponsored by Coleman Hops, Indie Hops, and Yakima Chief Hops.
For brew enthusiasts, 17 beverages in 16-ounce cans with the unique Cheers to the Land artwork will be released. These will be available in specialty bottle shops and grocery stores such as Belmont Station, Market of Choice, New Seasons Market, Bier Stein, and Zupan’s.
Development Threatens Oregon Farmlands
Development is continuously encroaching on irreplaceable Oregon farmland, says the executive director of the OAT, Nellie McAdams. She explains that Cheers to the Land is a call to action for all craft beverage enthusiasts and Oregon beverage makers.
The OAT reveals that between 2017 and 2022, 5.5% of state farms and 4% of farmland was lost to encroaching development.
OAT Protected 29,000 Acres of Oregon Farm and Ranch Land
More than 29,000 acres of Oregon farm and ranch land has been protected by OAT. The organization educates 500 farmers annually on succession planning. The average age of farmers in the state is 60, with less than 20% having a succession plan.
The OAT has another 44 projects in the pipeline to protect a further 100,000 acres.
“We must protect our farmland and provide opportunities for the next generation of farmers,” says McAdams.
Kicking off the Cheers to the Land celebrations on October 12 will be statewide when all participating beverage makers tap their offerings. In Springfield, an all-night beer and food pairing will be held at Plank Town Brewing.
Beverage-Makers Taking Part This Year
Makers taking part are Baerlic Brewing, Bauman’s Cider, Block 15 Brewing, Breakside Brewery, Claim 52 Brewing, De Garde Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Falling Sky Brewing, Ferment Brewing, Foreland Beer Co., Plank Town Brewing, Roaming Nobles, Soma Kombucha, the Wheel Brewery, and Wolves & People Farmhouse Ales.
Other Oregon venues throughout the Cheers to the Land celebrations will be at Beaverton, Portland, Eugene, and Deschutes.