Beth Rasgorshek

This is an exciting time to promote sustainable agriculture and the opportunities for Rural Roots to educate, support and network growers and consumers seem unlimited. Rural Roots has great programming in place, and I will contribute and expand on these programs from my perspective as a small-scale farmer based in southern Idaho. I also appreciate Rural Roots relationship to the University of Idaho and would like to explore ways that research could benefit sustainable farmers, producers, and ranchers. In addition, Rural Roots is a new organization to southern Idaho, and I will look forward to promoting its programs and building membership. I appreciate the diversity of those who belong to Rural Roots. Some are connected by their desire to eat local food, others grow/produce on a small scale and some members operate large scale farms/ranchers. I would like to hear the range of issues and concerns and see how Rural Roots can address some of these issues. Members help direct an organization, and without a dynamic membership base Rural Roots will not have a strong voice for sustainable agriculture. I tend 7 acres in Nampa. My husband and I returned to my hometown six years ago to raise certified organic seed crops. And during the spring I also operate a greenhouse business here at the farm. Prior to coming to Nampa, I co-owned a 100-member community supported farm in Portland, OR, for five years. Food is my passion. I love to eat and talk about food. The perfect meal is looking at my plate and knowing exactly who in my community produced it.