OWA Supports Statewide Programs
Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom
Oregon Women for Agriculture supports Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom which is a program dedicated to helping students grow in their knowledge of agriculture, the environment, and natural resources for the benefit of Oregonians today and in the future. We believe so strongly in investing in the next generation that we contribute financially at the Benefactors level, as well as encourage chapter involvement including volunteers giving their time to participate in the annual Literacy Project which reaches more than 200,000 students. Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom is one of the best ways to help students develop an awareness and understanding that agriculture is the source of our food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials.
Crop Identification Signs
Oregon Women for Agriculture supports crop identification signs which highlight some of the 220+ crops growing along the freeways and roadsides across the state. A program founded in 1974 by Linn-Benton chapter member Pat Coon, the crop identification signs quenches a thirst for knowledge that travelers have as they pass the ever-changing fields during their commutes. From Portland to Klamath Falls and Corvallis to Wallowa Lake, truck drivers and families on vacation can see signs identifying everything from red clover, sugar beet seed, and green beans to wheat, hazelnuts, and beef cattle.
Summer Agriculture Institute
Oregon Women for Agriculture supports Summer Agriculture Institute (SAI) which is a three-credit, action-packed week-long, graduate-level class through Oregon State University that educates K-12 teachers with little or no background in agriculture. We believe that any contribution we can make to fulfilling the goal of SAI (to help educators use agriculture as a context for teaching standard subjects) will have a ripple effect as teachers reach students who then learn current, factual, and scientific information about agriculture. Through visiting agricultural operations (including many OWA members), participating teachers get a first hand look at where food comes from, how it ends up at the grocery story, and how farmers live, work, and steward the land that supports us all.