Oregon Originals

Heritage Vegetables and Fruits of the Willamette Valley

Thursday, 13 June 2013

 Slow Food Corvallis hosted this informative and entertaining event which attracted a standing-room-only crowd and included lively, illustrated, talks about heritage fruits and vegetables given by experts in the field.

*Jim Myers, Ph.D., Professor in OSU’s Department of Horticulture delineated the history of vegetable breeding including peas, corn, and tomatoes at OSU from its inception to the present.

* Chad Finn, Ph.D., Research Geneticist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service, gave an entertaining talk about the history of berry breeding both in the Northwest and across the country explaining how the market, labor, climate, taste and other factors have affected which varieties have been successful.

* Rose Marie Nichols-McGee, Owner, Nichols Garden Nursery, discussed the work of independent local breeders of squash and melons.
 

After the presentations, participants enjoyed berry desserts prepared by Slow Food Board members and chatted with the speakers in an informal setting. The event was co-sponsored by Oregon State University Extension Service.