Meet at the Savory Spice Shop in the Old Mill District of Bend to begin your educational and entertaining tour of local farms and ranches.
With your knowledgeable guide, get an insider look at the people behind the plastic-wrapped cuts of meat and the vibrantly colored veggies at the supermarket (they don’t just magically appear that way, after all). A hotspot for healthy and environmentally friendly agriculture, Bend is home to an array of people who want to ensure that your food is humanely raised and organically grown.
Visit three to four local farms to meet ranchers, farmers, winemakers and business owners, and find out how pigs, goats, cows and chickens are bred and live in a free-range manner. Meet some of the animals themselves, taste the freshest fruits and veggies around, and hear about the farmers' commitments to using sustainable production methods as they manage diverse businesses.
The places visited change daily, based on the season. An example itinerary may include three or four of the following:
- An alpaca operation where prized fiber is used in a sustainable way
- An organic, biodynamic farm that grows food for CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and area restaurants
- A diversified ranch that raises cattle, pigs and chickens, and has a petting zoo for children
- A winery
