I do know one thing—I’m a better person because of the opportunities I’ve had this past year. I have met a lot of great people and made many new friends. One of the highlights of 2011 was taking road trips to visit members with ABC Executive Director Geoff Horning. We sat with folks who live their dream, breaking bread together at the kitchen table to hear about each other’s struggles and joys.

We have such diversities across Oregon agriculture that even though I’ve never been a city boy, there was a lot I didn’t know about how our fellow farmers and ranchers lived their lives. From potatoes to cherries, organic dairy to cattle, it was always enlightening. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss a minute of it.

Agriculture is such a great industry, and what a vital role we’ve played throughout history. (I’m a History Channel fan, just ask my wife Deanna regarding me and the remote.) The first time someone was able to produce more food than his family needed, he sold it—and commerce began. Soon people were able to begin to specialize in things, and away we went. Talk about vital.

The other historical role that I find interesting is the role of the storytellers. Throughout history each group of people has had individuals whose job was to pass on the history of the people, things that must never be forgotten. Whether it was passing on the stories around the campfire with the little ones or spending a lifetime hand-copying books those roles were held very high in their societies.

That’s why I’m so passionate about what ABC represents. We have chosen to be part of an organization that is made up of the most vital roles in our society today—the tellers of the stories to be told.

In today’s rapidly changing world the method in which we tell our story is so important. I don’t think that sitting around the campfire or cave drawing is going to be effective. ABC is fully aware of this point and has laid the foundation of effective methods over the last 18 months. We know that in today’s world if you don’t have the ability to communicate through the internet, then you’re out of the game. We get it.

Oregonfresh.net has had a complete rebuild and we are very proud of our first efforts. “Rooted.Green.Vital” is taken to a whole new level in telling the story. If you haven’t been there lately, what are you waiting for? Let us know what you think.

We thought about effective methods that fit with today’s urban Oregonians, and the Down to Earth Film Festival was born. We showcased eight short documentary films that epitomize the vital roles that Oregon agriculture plays in our state today. In 2012 the plan is to expose these stories to thousands of our urban neighbors.

Last but not least, we’re not going to forget who needs these stories the most—our kids. There are hundreds of urban kids who have been given the opportunity to form a relationship with some of our peers in the ag industry. Kids who will have a lifetime of memories and knowledge gained by making that connection with Oregon ag. Keep your eyes on this one. The early response from these kids and their teachers has been more than we could’ve hoped for. We’re very excited about the Adopt A Farmer Program. We think it’s going to be a homerun.

You can see why I’m totally pumped about ABC. I had an old mentor years ago who wasn’t afraid to tell me, “You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.” We have the opportunity in front of us to be part of the solution, and if we do nothing then that would make all of us part of the problem. Not an option.

As we begin a new year of hope and eternal optimism we give thanks for all the good we have. The year 2012, as always, will bring change to our world and some things we won’t be able to control, so let’s stay focused on that which we can control.
I wish good things for all of you in 2012, and not goodbye…but until later.

Doug Hart
Hart’s Nursery of Jefferson