San Juan Islands Argricultural Guild

ECONIMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Agrcultural Guild assisted 11 new farmers to expand markets by providing admin and grant support to the San Juan Islands Food Hub. Food Hub sales grew 40% over prior year with over $285,000 in gross sales. Collaborated to complete the Regional Food Systems plan update. Partnered with the San Juan County Health Department to offer a food access program with local product for WIC and seniors in San Juan County. We were fiscal sponsors for the Lopez Food Center - which will increase sales for local farmers, access to local food, island food storage and serve as a food business incubator. We met with the Economic Development Council in August to explore a grant partnership to increase economic development resources for local farmers.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: The Agricultural Guild assisted Washington State University Extension of San Juan County and the SJC Agricultural Resource Committee to organize the 12th annual San Juan County Agricultural Summit. 228 people registered for the Ag Summit and 88% reported that they developed skills during the summit that will start or enhance their farm business. In partnership with the San Juan Islands Conservation district and the Visitors Bureau we hosted 29 farm tours over three weekends with 1,500+ attendees. Nine beginning farmers and ranchers participated in the Farmers to Farmland mentorship program. In partnership with WSU SJC Extension we hosted two free workshops - grant writing for farmers and farm funding. We helped promote WSU SJC Extensions Whole Farm Planning Course and Explore Your Farm Dreams Course.