Slow Money Alliance

Comment by Jason Bradford on May 5, 2010 at 8:54am

Here's an article in Reuters you all might find interesting:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64233320100503

My company is similar in some ways to the ones described in that we buy land from pooled investment capital. The differences are also great. First, we are organic. Second, we believe in relocalizing the food system instead of gearing production for commodity exports. Third, we prefer local ownership of the assets we hold and manage.

I say "prefer" because legally we can't restrict ownership. But how we reach out and market to local people and institutions is important. So much money is on the east coast that we could come up with millions of dollars from there. Ideally, we have local institutions keep their money local instead. For example, if you work for a company with a pension plan, where are they investing? Is your IRA in the same Wall Street firms and major corporations that undermine sustainability? Sure, there are very wealthy people who may "launder" their money into farmland, but there are also the middle class who have the potential to have their assets given the same protection, it is just that they can't as easily choose where to put their money due to SEC regulations.

Not many responded to my question of whether we should try to organize a Slow Money conference here (or in the greater Willamette Valley?) but I am still very much interested in pursuing this. However, it is May and I have a lot of work to get done on the farm, so it will be a few weeks at least before I am likely to have time to nudge folks again about this.

Comment by Jason Bradford on May 11, 2010 at 9:29am

Hi Folks,
Check out this video from Slow Money Alliance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDoipQt3whU

It is short, well done, worth the time to watch and pass on. Asks a great question: "Where does my money go?"

Comment by William Ray Ford on June 9, 2010 at 6:38am

Bummer about Andrew Martin leaving the area and pulling his investment. Jason, any interest in Farmland, LP exploring where he is leaving off? I would be happy to make the introduction if you don't know him.

Comment by Jef Jelten on June 9, 2010 at 7:07am

That is a shame. I have talked with Jennifer several times and she really understood the economics of localization and the critical roll that food processing plays in increasing local food production.

By the way it looks like are going to get some RBEG money for the Oil Seed Project. Food Innovation Center has been awesome.

Comment by William Ray Ford on June 9, 2010 at 9:11am

An RBEG would be OUTSTANDING! The BEC was awarded $12,000 a year ago for vitaculture and vermiculture and we were able to leverage it for an additional $23,000! While NOT a totally successful effort we were able to do some good economic development work including getting to know you better Jef! Good job and I agree the Food Innovation Center is a fantastic resource. Best wishes and let us know how we can help. Would love to talk with you more about the RBEG and how you will be using it. Any help you need from the BEC, just ask.

Comment by Jason Bradford on June 9, 2010 at 9:54am

I didn't know about Andrew Martin "leaving the area." Is he actually planning to sell the Bald Hill property, not just giving up on the processing center?

One way to do meat processing that could be interesting to study (given permit issues) is with mobile units. A company in Seattle is making USDA certifiable commercial, mobile slaughter houses. Instead of bringing live animals to a facility, the facility comes to the farm.

This actually lowers fuel consumption, and permits the farm to compost offal instead of creating a waste hazard at the permanent site.

Comment by William Ray Ford on June 9, 2010 at 10:32am

I only know what I saw in this morning's G/T but was planning on trying to visit him him soon. I was more interested in Farmland, LP's interest in his bent for organic farming on his land which was part of what he was attempting to accomplish.

Comment by Jef Jelten on June 9, 2010 at 11:17am

There are many mobile slaughter units in the area.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=oregon+Mobile+Slaughtering...

I know a guy out by Scio.

Comment by Jason Bradford on June 9, 2010 at 3:35pm

Hi Jef,
There's a distinction between types of slaughter businesses. The key is whether it is licensed for resale or not. If you buy an animal "on the hoof" you may kill it yourself, or hire somebody to do so, but unless it is done in a facility licensed for resale you must consume it yourself or give it away.

Do you know of mobile slaughtering facilities in the area that are USDA or state certified for resale? Will they come to a farm, kill and hang, then take the carcass to a butcher to cut and wrap? When that is complete, can the meat be sold to stores or restaurants?

Comment by Jason Bradford on June 9, 2010 at 3:41pm

Here's a good article on the issue from an Oregon perspective:

http://www.hpj.com/archives/2008/nov08/nov3/LackofUSDAfacilitiesham...

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