EAT Local News and Events

Farm to Table Workshop Introductory Speakers

Owns a fifth generation farm in Central Oregon
37 years in production
Understands the challenges farmers face, both large and small
Looking at sustainability: how do you produce a high-quality product today, while maintaining the ability and capacity to produce a high-quality product tomorrow?
Wenatchee Valley College serves a three county area
Wants to develop a Sustainable Agriculture program at WVC
Starts with a production strategy, encompasses processing, addresses marketing/entrepreneurship,
Be engaged today and look at the broad system, not just your own operation

Extension is involved with ag., but it’s a whole lot more than just commercial ag.
Involved for over 30 years and in Chelan County since 1987
Extension’s work is dictated by what the surrounding participants want extension to do
In urban areas, there is great support for local food system work and support. In rural areas, less interest
Example: a study in Iowa…
Folks who want Extension to do something need to make their voices heard
Commercial ag. accounts for $1.3 billion per year in Central Washington
Extension is educational programming driven by what local citizens want
Small farms team, master gardener program, urban horticulturalist on staff
Chelan/Douglas County identity
Demographics: 24% are 17 years or younger
51% are 35 years or older
This is the target market, which comprises over half of the area residents
People are more and more concerned about an engaging food experience
Four “e”s: educational, entertaining, aesthetic, escapist
People want a product/experience that transports them from their everyday life
What makes your product special? How is it different and unique? The better the backstory, the higher the interest.
Extension can help small producers break into new markets and established markets