When farmers and city dwellers unite, can they successfully take on big agribusiness? Friends of Family Farmers is proving that they can.

Friends of Family Farmers is building a strong and united voice for Oregon's independent family farmers, food advocates, and concerned Oregonians who are working to foster an approach to agriculture that respects the land, treats animals humanely, sustains local communities, and provides a viable livelihood for family farmers.

This fall, they'll be launching their Farmer Campaign, heading out to eastern Oregon to meet with communities and farmers to talk about what family farmers really need to create a sustainable food system for their local community.

Meanwhile, in Portland, they'll be bringing farmers together with urbanites to talk about the challenges family farmers face as they produce food. Join them for their InFARMation events on the second Tuesday of every month - a mix of socializing and education on the challenges of sustainable food systems.

And then there's the action: FoFF works to change policy and shape decisions that affect farmers and farming communities. They’ve worked with residents around Canby to prevent a new 1.5 million-bird factory chicken factory farm, and they’ve taken their knowledge and perspective to Salem to change the regulations of other mega-livestock businesses in Oregon.

Can’t make it to one of their events? There’s numerous ways to connect with them on the web:

• Their large photo collection on Flickr
• More information about the InFARMation talks
• Meet Oregon Family Farmers

Friends of Family Farmers is working for long-term changes that will keep family farming possible for many generations to come.