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Food & Farming Program

Supporting and building a sustainable local food system in Northwest Washington.

The Food & Farming Program works to inform, empower & provide resources to producers & buyers; make connections between farmers, institutions, retailers & restaurants; and raise awareness and support of local farms.

NEWSLETTER: Our newest resource, the What's FRESH! Food & Farming E-Newsletter is packed with info, events, tips and resources to help you find out about all the best in local food and agriculture in Whatcom County. Click HERE to receive it in your inbox monthly! (click here to read past newsletters)

--a few of our projects--

Education:

Food To Bank On connects beginning sustainable farms with training, mentors & market support while providing fresh high-quality food to Whatcom's hungry. 20 farms have graduated or are enrolled in the program, and have received support beginning their farms and businesses. Whatcom food banks have received $50,000 in fresh produce from these farmers since the programs' inception in 2003.
The Whatcom Farm Incubator Project (WFIP) will give beginning farmers access to land, farm infrastructure, mentoring and small business support services. Check the WFIP page for status updates and information on this exciting new project!

Connections:

Trade Meetings bring Whatcom food buyers & producers together annually. Attendance continues to grow, our 2008 Spring Trade Meeting brought over 70 producers and buyers together. In 2007, our networking events brought over 150 professionals together and resulted in over 400 new business relationships bringing the best and freshest bounty to local markets.
Chef Farm Tours bring chefs & retailers into farmers' fields to introduce them & establish market relationships. 56 strong market connections arose from our 2007 tours, in which numerous chefs and owners of local restaurants, cafes and grocerys toured 10 local farms and fisheries.
Wholesale Directory, with 70 listings for local food and agriculture businesses offering the freshest and best of Whatcom's bounty to local wholesale buyers.

Promotion:

Eat Local (Every) Week & Other Events raise awareness about the value of local agriculture and food systems. These events include film screenings, tasting events, "Veggie All Stars" in local races, regular presence at the Bellingham Farmers Market and local & national press. Click here to read Chris Wolf's blog about her month of eating local, including yummy recipes!
The Whatcom Farm Tour was a huge success in 2009, bringing approximately 2000 people out to Whatcom farms.
Whatcom Food & Farm Finder Looking for the Farm Map or the Guide to Eating Local? In 2009 we've combined these two publications into one streamlined and easy to use package. There are 132 local businesses in the Food and Farm Finder - farms, eateries, markets, fishers, caterers, and more - all producing, preparing, or offering local food from Whatcom County! The Food and Farm Finder also includes; a fold-out map, a guide to which delicious fruits and veggies are in season when, and calendar of food and agriculture related events in the area.