We are a resource
for producers
Whether you are looking to begin your farm or food production business, or are a budding or established business, we provide opportunities for growth.
Selling farm foods
We have successfully helped food producers expand by connecting them to schools, restaurants, and institutions who want to buy local food in bulk. Let us do the same for you. We can either act as a liaison and provide invoicing and other services, or connect you directly.
If you dream of connecting directly, but have no idea where to start, our free contract templates may help! Food Roots, in partnership with Oregon Food Bank and farmers, developed contract templates to make establishing bulk sales easier for both small-scale vendors and local buyers. Based on feedback from food systems professionals, we honed them and created additional versions. Versions include forward-sales and third party inclusion. The contracts include language that simultaneously addresses challenges small-scale farmers, fishers, and ranchers face when filling bulk orders, and the needs of the buying entity. The webinar recording walks you through the unique points of these contracts. If you would like us to send these contracts to you, please email us at office@foodrootsnw.org. Please be advised that these contracts do not represent or replace legal advise.
Individual Development Accounts
Food Roots has been supporting food system entrepreneurs with access to Individual Development Accounts through our partnership with Casa of Oregon since 2009.
Applications open until midnight on December 15th, 2025
What is an IDA?
The Individual Development Account, or IDA, is an asset-building tool designed to enable entrepreneurs with modest financial resources to save money that they can invest in their existing or startup business.
With a Food Roots IDA, participants will receive a 5:1 match on their savings, so for every $1 saved, the program will match it with $5.
Here is the maximum you can save through our program:
$1,600 (Your savings over 3-24 months)
+ $8,000 (From the IDA program)
$9,600 (Your total at the end)
In addition, participants build important business skills such as financial management and writing a business plan through required financial education classes, asset specific training and individual business counseling.
You may be eligible if:
1. You plan to expand or start a food-related business (farm, fishery, value-added or prepared food) that enhances the local food system.
2. You are a Tillamook, Clatsop, or Lincoln County resident or vendor.
3. Your Net Assets (net worth) are not more than $20,000 (what you own minus what you owe, not including your home, one vehicle, business assets, and up to $120,000 of retirement savings).
4. Your household maximum income is within these OR-IDA Income Eligibility Limits.
How to apply for an IDA:
1. Confirm your household income eligibility by checking the income limits.
2. Apply here by December 15th, 2025.
If you’d like more information on IDAs, partner organizations, or how you can purchase an IDA State Tax Credit, check out the Oregon IDA Initiative.