Joe Rossi attended Parkrose Middle and then High School on land previously farmed by his family for three generations. Upon graduation he went on to study at Portland State University. This decision allowed him to stay on the farm and continue working with his dad. Joe’s farm experience includes all aspects of water and soil health management. Joe has also been an excited participant and supporter of several Portland-area farmers markets during their opening and formative years.

Joe has mentored his daughter Gabrielle (the family’s 5^th generation member) into the transition to maintain agricultural production at Rossi Farms. Both Joe and Gabrielle are active in consulting other farmers to be successful. Gabrielle is also a previous EMCSWD Zone 1 Director and currently oversees Rossi Farms operations.

Joe has served in several positions to be a voice of agriculture. Those include past directorships and memberships in Multnomah County Farm Bureau, the formation and directorship of The Parkrose Neighborhood Association, the Hollywood Farmers market, the formation and chairing of Historic Parkrose, the Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association and the Parkrose Neighborhood Association. He also maintains family acreage in farm production outside the growth boundary in Corbett.

Agriculture that is sustainable to family farmers as well as the land and water itself are Joe’s passions. He is excited to now serve in this new capacity.

Joe was elected as Zone 1 Director with the EMSWCD in 2020. He is serving a 4-year term, and his seat is up for election in November 2024. Joe serves on the Budget, Land Legacy and Grants committees.