Erika Polmar created Plate & Pitchfork Farm dinners to reconnect diners with the people and places that grow and craft their food. In the process of growing her business she developed a keen understanding of the land use, regulatory and economic issues that often challenge agricultural and culinary producers. She has proven success in developing pathways, partnerships and policies to overcome these obstacles and support the continued development of responsible agritourism. Erika has contributed to the growth of Agritourism in her home state of Oregon as a participant in the Oregon Agritourism Network, a presenter at the Oregon Small Farms Conference and a contributor to Travel Oregon's Agritourism Handbook.
During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic Erika led the World Central Kitchen emergency food assistance effort in Portland, Oregon. She led local lobby city, county and state government for relief for small food-related businesses in Oregon and was a founding member and leadership team member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. In June of 2020 Erika became the first Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. She currently serves as the organizations Executive Director.
Prior to launching her agritourism venture, Erika honed her marketing, brand & product development skills in positions at CitySearch, Carman Ranch, Ecotrust, Eleven, the Oregon Multimedia Alliance and J.K. Carriere Wines. When she's not helping farmers, ranchers and chefs grow their businesses, she's enthusiastically working to end hunger in Oregon through the Plate & Pitchfork Fund in partnership with the MRG Foundation and with community organizations such as Farmers Ending Hunger.
Erika has cultivated a team of experts who can assist you in launching or growing your agritourism, food, beverage of non-profit venture.
Maria Grzanka and
Ellen Jackson and Erika can work with you independently or as a team. We'd love to hear about your needs please
send a note or call 503.852.1031.