Job Description
The Program Manager will have primary responsibility for representing TFA
to agricultural producers and suppliers. Performance will be directly
tied to the applicants ability to recruit farmers into TFAs Stewardship
Program. To increase supply of TFA-Approved products, the Program Manager
will initiate a broad-based outreach program. It is expected that the
candidate will be able to persuasively articulate the benefits of
participation in TFAs program to farmers, processors, and distributors.
Specific position expectations include:
Manage the day-to-day operations of TFAs Stewardship Program. Duties
include: scheduling site visits to applicant farms, serving on the
Stewardship Committee, developing a mentor program, and ensuring the
integrity of TFAs endorsement procedure;
Enable TFA-Approved farmers to actively promote the program within their
own circles of influence;
Work with commodity commissions and boards to identify agricultural leaders;
Work with local and state departments of agriculture, NRCS, EPA, etc. to
identify opportunities for collaboration;
Maintain database of TFA-Approved growers;
Strengthen TFAs on-farm research program by working with extension agents
and others to enable more farmers to become eligible for TFA approval;
Represent TFA at regional and national farm conferences;
Develop and implement public relations strategies;
Manage the development of written material such as farmer recruitment
packet, and farm success stories;
Facilitate the phasing in of program fees to support the Stewardship Program.
The position requires a detailed working knowledge of the agriculture and
food industries, including technical issues related to agricultural
production. Preferred areas of expertise also include marketing and
sales. A high level of credibility with farmers and excellent verbal
communication skills are needed. The position also requires energy,
enthusiasm, and a commitment to the projects goals. Candidates with
previous experience working with farmers in the PNW are preferred.
Position will be based in Portland, Oregon with significant travel in the
Pacific Northwest and beyond. Salary DOE, excellent benefits. The
application deadline is April 1 or until suitable applicants are found.
How to Apply
Submit a resume and letter of introduction of no more than two pages to
The Food Alliance, 1829 NE Alberta, Suite #5, Portland, OR 97211.
The Food Alliance
The Food Alliance identifies, develops and utilizes market incentives and
provides technical support to encourage expanded use of sustainable
agriculture practices. In July 1994, organizing members received four
years of support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Integrated Farming
System Initiative. A Board of Directors composed of representatives from
each of the interest groups (growers, processors/packers, buyers,
consumers, environmental groups, and farm labor) provides overall
direction to TFA.
Stewardship Program: Farmers who meet minimum requirements of TFA are
eligible to market their products with our seal: TFA-Approved. TFA
endorsement is based on an assessment in three major sectors: pest and
disease management, soil and water conservation, and human resource
development. In addition to satisfying minimum requirements in three
sectors, program participants are also required to submit farm
improvement plans.
TFA endorsed food products were introduced into the Portland market for
the first time this March. Three broad goals guide our activities:
Increase sales of sustainably produced agricultural products by
increasing the number of TFA-Approved farmers in the PNW.
Increase consumer access to TFA-Approved products by increasing the
number of retail partners involved in the program.
Build consumer support and thereby create enough incentive for mainstream
farmers to change their growing practices in order to become eligible for
TFA approval.
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