Pepper Fisher
CLALLAM COUNTY – North Olympic Land Trust has announced their 2020 Farmer of the Year winner, and this year the award actually goes to a group of 8 farms that participate in Community Supported Agriculture programs.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a farming model where buyers invest at the beginning of the growing season in a subscription to get fresh local goods all season long, also known as a farm share. Shares are typically available on a weekly basis.
Farmers receive crucial funds up front and have a steady market for their goods throughout the season. Buyers share the inherent risks and rewards of farming while small farms have the financial security they need to make their businesses work.
Land Trust Executive Director Tom Sanford says that’s more important now than it ever was.
“Yep, and in a covid world, you know, they’re used to selling a certain amount of their produce at a farmers market, a certain amount going to local restaurants or going into some supply chain that’s bringing it off Peninsula. That stuff is all really disrupted right now. Community Supported Agriculture gets food directly to their customers, has a better margin for the farmer, and ensures freshness for the customer.”
The eight farms across Clallam County that operate under this model are: Bent Gate Farms, Chi’s Farm, Griffith Farm, River Run Farm, Salt Creek Farm, SisterLand Farms, Wild Edge Farm, and Wild Forks Farm.
The CSA concept began in Europe and was introduced to America in the 1980s. The idea has since expanded beyond the traditional fruits and vegetables to include eggs, meat, dairy, honey, and other products.
North Olympic Land Trust will recognize the recipients at an event planned for Wednesday, September 30th.
(Photos by Isaac Gautschi and Land Trust staff)