Garry Stephenson is a Professor, Extension Specialist, and Director of the Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems within the College of Agricultural Sciences. He began his career with Oregon State University in 1984 as a research technician with the Botany and Plant Pathology Field Lab followed by a tenure track position with the Extension Service in 1986.
In 1996, he developed and provided leadership for the Extension Small Farms Program. Today, the Program and its Extension faculty are nationally recognized for applied research and outreach on specialized cropping systems, local/regional marketing systems, and collaborating with farmers historically underserved by land grant universities. Garry is also the co-founder of the Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems. Since 2013, Center has been a catalyst for university-wide outreach and applied research for small and medium organic/sustainable farms, and development of community-based food systems. His background includes stints as a printing press operator while attending college, a farm worker and research technician on OSU research farms, and operating a U-pick farm. His research and outreach interests span silvo-pastoral agroforestry, farmers markets, beginning farmer education, and organic farmer transition.
Garry will be retiring March 1, 2023 after 40 years of service at OSU. We thank Garry for his many contributions, and wish him well in his next endeavors.