Tillamook County Creamery Association, a farmer-led and owned dairy co-operative, announced Tuesday its 2022 All For Farmers initiative devoted to preserving farmland, assisting farmers in financial need, and supporting the overall future of farming.
Now in its third year, funds generated by the company’s initiative have been used to help protect more than 10,000 acres of farmland nationwide.
The newest All For Farmers will feature a virtual auction including a range of items and experiences. All proceeds from the auction will be donated directly to American Farmland Trust, a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving farmland and helping farmers thrive. The bidding will open today and run through Oct.19 on eBay.
The initiative will directly benefit the Trust’s Brighter Future Fund grant program. Since the Fund's creation in 2020, Tillamook and American Farmland Trust have raised $3.2 million to support farmers from across the country. In turn, the AFT Brighter Future Fund has helped 330 farmers, including many that are under-served in agriculture.
The items to be auctioned are:
• Night at the Tillamook Creamery with dinner, dessert, snacks, breakfast, and specially curated activities and merchandise
• Tillamook branded vintage Volkswagen pickup truck
• Summer weekend stay at Maine's Turner Farm
• SMEG fridge stocked with Tillamook cheddar cheese
• A 40-pound block of the company’s longest-aged cheddar cheese
• A year's worth of groceries from Giant Food
"As a farmer-owned co-op and a Certified B Corporation®, TCCA [Tillamook Country Creamery Association] is dedicated to being a force for good in the world," said Jocelyn Bridson, director of environment & community impact at Tillamook, in a statement. "Doing right by the cows and farms, people and products, and for the community and the environment is not just about staying true to our core values, it's about supporting farms and underrepresented farmers across the country to do the same, for generations to come."
Creamery visitors can also support the initiative by rounding up their purchases at checkout to donate to the Trust.
"American Farmland Trust is grateful for the generous support from Tillamook and our brand partners," said Ryan Lauer, director of corporate partnerships at American Farmland Trust, in a statement. "The proceeds from these fantastic auction items will enable marginalized farmers across the US to build resiliency, access land, and improve farm viability."
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