The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) is investing $25,000 in 10 Central Oregon farms this winter through its On-Farm Efficiency Grant (OFEG) program, supporting projects that promote efficient, sustainable practices with lasting environmental and community impact.
Grant recipients will use the funding for a range of projects designed to extend the growing season, promote environmental stewardship, and improve operational efficiencies. These investments play a critical role in sustaining small farms and bolstering Central Oregon’s food system.
As Sam Shafer of Amethyst Organics, a 2026 grant recipient shared, “Given Central Oregon’s short growing season and unpredictable weather events, this investment is not just an improvement – it’s a mandatory step to secure economic and climate resilience for our operation.”
Grant programs like OFEG play a critical role in supporting small and mid-sized farms, which often face narrow profit margins and limited access to traditional financing. Rising input costs, climate uncertainty, and infrastructure needs can make essential improvements out of reach, even when those investments would significantly increase a farm’s efficiency and resilience.
By offering flexible, producer-informed funding, HDFFA helps remove barriers to investment and meets farmers where they are. These grants reflect a shared commitment to supporting Central Oregon’s agricultural community, ensuring that locally grown and produced food remains available to our region for years to come.
HDFFA extends heartfelt congratulations to the 2026 On-Farm Efficiency Grant recipients and sincere gratitude for their leadership in strengthening and nourishing our community