Job Description
The Program Manager will have primary responsibility for representing TFA to
agricultural producers and suppliers. Performance will be directly tied to
the applicant’s ability to recruit innovative farmers into the TFA-Approved
Program, as well as the ability to develop partnerships with
agricultural/consumer interests. 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 TFA’s program to farmers, processors, and
distributors.
Specific position expectations include:
Manage the day-to-day operations of the TFA-Approved Program. Duties
include: scheduling site visits to applicant farms, serving on the
TFA-Approved endorsement Committee, developing a mentor program, and
ensuring the integrity of TFA’s endorsement procedure;
Set and achieve specific goals for the improvement of the TFA-Approved
Program;
Enable TFA-Approved farmers to actively promote the program within their
own circles of influence;
Facilitate workshops to train additional TFA field inspectors;
Work with commodity commissions and boards to identify agricultural
innovators;
Work with local and state departments of agriculture, NRCS, EPA, etc. to
identify opportunities for collaboration;
Maintain database of TFA-Approved growers;
Strengthen TFA’s 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, based on a broad
understanding of consumer needs and environmental concerns;
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 TFA-Approved
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 project’s 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 September 15th or until suitable applicants are
found.
How to Apply
Submit a resume and letter of introduction explaining interest in position
of no more than two pages to The Food Alliance, 1829 NE Alberta, Suite #5,
Portland, OR 97211. Samples of previous work are encouraged. For additional
information contact Gary Volz at (503) 493-1066.
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 Systems
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.
TFA-Approved Program: Farmers who meet strict eligibility requirements of
TFA can market their products with TFA’s seal of approval: “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:
1. Increase sales of sustainably produced agricultural products by
increasing the number of TFA-Approved farmers in the PNW.
2. Increase consumer access to TFA-Approved products by increasing the
number of retail partners involved in the program.
3. Build consumer support and thereby create enough incentive for farmers to
change their growing practices in order to become eligible for TFA approval.
Deborah J. Kane
Executive Director
The Food Alliance
1829 NE Alberta, Suite 5
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 493-1066
Fax (503) 493-1069
The Food Alliance .... working to ensure that our children and our
grandchildren have 'good food for a healthy future' because we practice
sustainable agriculture methods today.
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