“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.”
--Wendell Berry

The model of agriculture most prevalent in our society today has one goal in mind: maximization of profit via the maximization of production. This model puts plants in the role of miniature factories being fed artificial inputs in order to maximize their outputs. The soil is simply a medium in which the factories are planted. The pursuit of this model leads to a host of agricultural practices which undermine the very ecosystem that makes agriculture possible… the use of synthetic chemicals that are damaging to the environment, tillage practices that destroy the soil, and the reduction of the biodiversity upon which the system depends. In the long view, it is simply not possible to destroy the system on the one hand and expect it to continue to support production on the other.

Our philosophy of farming is informed by this intellectual understanding of industrial agricultural practices, as well as by a spiritual connection to the land we work.  Over the years, first as gardeners and then as farmers, we developed a strong personal relationship with the earth.  As we work with the soil… plunge our hands in to it and breathe  its smells… that relationship becomes very intimate.  As the soil nourishes us, so must we nourish the soil.   It is this relationship that inspires us to make every effort to sustain the soil, water, plant and animal life that make up the farm’s agro-ecosystem. 

Though Artisan Organics is not certified “organic”, we take pains to meet the organic certification requirements.  This includes not using any synthetic pesticides, appropriately managing compost, and eschewing genetically modified organisms.  

We find, however, that meeting these requirements is only the beginning.  If we are to create a whole and nourishing ecosystem we must do more…. more to increase the biodiversity on the farm, more to complete the nutrient cycle, more to reduce the use of inputs from outside the farm.  In practice, sustainable agriculture is not a fixed goal, but rather an ever moving target.  Each step we take reveals yet another road to greater sustainability.

To this end, Artisan Organics has worked with the landlord and the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District to develop a three year conservation plan for the property.  This plan includes clearing invasive, non-native vegetation; restoring the riparian corridor along Gordon Creek; and creating habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects.

Additionally, Artisan Organics makes every effort to source our inputs as locally as possible.  Most Organic ingredients used in livestock feed are grown in Central or South America.  Given the amount of petroleum used in shipping it to Oregon, we do not feel this meets our sustainability goals.  Consequently, we work with a local feed store, Hillsboro Feed, to custom blend our chicken feed using Oregon grown grains .  The mix includes no corn or soy to avoid genetically modified organisms.  Since Hillsboro Feed is not certified organic, our poultry can not be certified either.  This is the primary reason Artisan Organics is not certified organic.

By choosing to join the Artisan Organics community you too are making a significant step toward environmental sustainability.  We look forward to exploring this path together.