Cheers to the Land: Raising a Glass to Protect Oregon’s Farmland

The Oregon Agricultural Trust (OAT) is launching its annual ‘Cheers to the Land‘ campaign, inviting craft beverage producers to create new products featuring Oregon-grown ingredients. Proceeds from the initiative will support efforts to protect the state’s farmland

“Cheers to the Land is both a celebration of Oregon’s craft beverage makers and their local suppliers, as well as a call to action for beverage enthusiasts,” said Nellie McAdams, Executive Director of Oregon Agricultural Trust. “As development encroaches on Oregon’s irreplaceable farmland, it’s essential to protect it and support the next generation of farmers. Let’s raise a glass to these innovative artisans and the land that makes it all possible!”

Sponsored by Loyal Legion, Yakima Chief Hops, Coleman Hops, and Indie Hops this year’s campaign features unique brews from these breweries: 

Additional offerings include a Tayberry cider from Bauman’s Cider (Portland), a non-alcoholic NW Strawberry, Rose & Reishi Kombucha from Soma Kombucha (Portland), and a non-alcoholic IPA from Roaming Nobles (Portland).

Seven of these products will be available in limited-edition 16-ounce cans, featuring exclusive “Cheers to the Land” artwork. These will be available at specialty grocery stores and bottle shops across the state, including New Seasons Markets, Market of Choice, Zupan’s (Lake Oswego and Portland), The Bier Stein (Eugene), and Belmont Station (Portland).

Starting October 12, all participating beverage makers will debut their Cheers to the Land offerings at various events throughout the month:

October 12 – Plank Town Brewing, Springfield, all night – Cheers to the Land beer and food pairing

October 17  – Loyal Legion, Beaverton, 5 pm – 8 pm. Tapping all 15 Cheers to the Land drinks

October 18  – Loyal Legion, SE Portland, 5 pm – 8 pm. Tapping all 15 Cheers to the Land drinks

October 18 – Falling Sky Brewing, Eugene, 5 pm. Cheers to the Land beer dinner and watch party for the Oregon Ducks vs. Purdue

October 19 – The Bier Stein, Eugene, 5 pm – 8 pm. Tap Takeover and passport program with several Cheers to the Land participants

October 25 – Mayfly, Portland, 5 pm. Cheers to the Land tapping with Block 15, de Garde, and Ferment

October 25 –  Bauman’s on Oak, Portland, 5 pm. Cheers to the Land cider and beer on tap.

November 4 – Claim 52 Brewing, Eugene, all day. $1 from every pint donated back to OAT.

November 7 – Soma Kombucha, SE Portland, 5 pm – 7 pm. Cheers to the Land tasting at the SE Belmont location

November 8 – Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House, Bend, 7 pm. Four-course beer dinner featuring Cheers to the Land, Patagonia Kernza Lager, Farmhouse Cider, and Black Mirror. $60 plus gratuity. Tickets are available here.

Christine Walter, fifth-generation farmer and head cidermaker at Bauman’s Cider, emphasized the importance of this program for family farms like hers:

“The transition of family farmland has been a pressing issue for my family over the past 20 years. Farming economics today are nothing like they were when my dad was a kid, or even when I was growing up. We’ve had many difficult conversations about how to pass the farm down, and unfortunately, those farming the land are often the least able to afford it. The Oregon Agricultural Trust helps bridge this gap by monetizing development rights, allowing families to buy out members while keeping the farm in operation. It’s truly a dream come true, and I’m thrilled to be involved.”

Jenn Peterson, Operations Director at Ferment Brewing (Hood River), explained why her brewery chose to participate:

“Brewing in the Columbia River Gorge is a privilege that allows us to build relationships with local growers and connect with the source of our ingredients. This enables us to highlight the unique qualities of our region’s bounty while helping preserve the land that sustains us. By partnering with Oregon farmers and the Oregon Agricultural Trust, we’re helping protect our farmlands for the future.”

Marla Hoban, co-founder of Roaming Nobles, added, “As Oregon’s first dedicated non-alcoholic brewery, we believe great beer starts with sourcing the best local ingredients. Supporting Oregon farmers and their land aligns perfectly with our mission to protect natural spaces, ensuring room for noble creatures to roam.”

Photos courtesy Oregon Agricultural Trust