Eight years ago, I accepted a position at Rogue Valley Farm to School because I imagined schools as a stable marketplace for small to mid-scale farmers with the potential to positively impact their businesses and the health of students. It has been challenging and rewarding work that has lead to progress on local, state, and national levels.

I started with the farmers in mind, yet the truly heartening aspect that has driven and motivated me has been students' amazement at recognizing where their food comes from and that they can grow it and cook it themselves. I have loved my work and co-workers; the school food service directors and the farmers; the nonprofit, agency, and business partners; and the organization’s fantastic board of directors - who will be hiring the next director before summer's end!

The time is right for a new leader and fresh energy. I have so much confidence in the amazing RVF2S staff, the solid education programs, and the engaged board of directors. I am excited for the organization to have a new director to continue the good work of engaging the community in the importance of knowing where their food comes from and keeping agricultural land in food production.

I have grown through my work with the organization as well as helped the organization to grow: both taking me deeper in my commitment to sustainable agriculture and supporting producers and food buyers to create a robust regional food system. I will remain involved in agriculture applying all I've learned in my recent studies at the University of Vermont and in my years at Rogue Valley Farm to School.

Thank you,

Tracy Harding

RVF2S is now accepting applications for Executive Director! Learn more about how to apply here.