In 2021, DEQ's Materials Management Program began a two-year effort to better understand Oregon's food system. DEQ staff connected with a wide range of people and organizations involved in food production, consumption, and waste management across the state. These included conversations with regenerative farmers, BIPOC farming advocates, food rescue organizations, academic researchers, local governments and more.
This outreach helped DEQ staff understand how food production, access, and waste are closely connected. It also highlighted the important role DEQ can play in supporting local food systems by pursuing sustainable food production practices.
Why food production matters
Production is one of the most environmentally intensive stages of a food product. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the largest share of the environmental footprint of food, including greenhouse gas emissions, occurs during production. This includes emissions from farm equipment, methane from livestock, and nitrous oxide from fertilizers. Oregon DEQ's Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory confirms this.
Food production is also deeply connected to people's lives and livelihoods. Farmers, farmworkers, and food producers are at the heart of Oregon's food system. Local farms help feed communities, support local economies, and protect working lands that provide important environmental benefits, like healthy soils, clean water, and wildlife habitat.
Many small and mid-sized farms face serious challenges. Rising costs, changing markets, and thin profit margins can make it difficult to stay in business. Farmers and farmworkers often experience inconsistent work, low pay, and limited access to benefits. They may also be exposed to air and water pollution, pesticides, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and other climate-related risks while doing essential work.
Supporting more sustainable food production can reduce environmental impacts while strengthening communities. Practices that improve soil health, reduce chemical use, and manage food waste can help lower climate pollution and protect natural resources. When local food producers are economically stable and supported, Oregon's food system becomes more resilient to climate disruptions and supply chain shocks.
DEQ's role moving forward
DEQ is committed to developing partnerships with food producers, technical assistance providers, researchers, advocates and communities across the state. This is a new and evolving area of work for DEQ and the Food Systems team. Staff will prioritize learning, relationship-building, and working alongside individuals, organizations and partner agencies working in food production.
For more information on how DEQ will engage with food producers, please read about our Action Plan.