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Food Systems

Program Contact: Loren Imes, Master Gardener/Food Systems Coordinator
(360) 639-6059 • loren.imes@wsu.edu

WSU Extension Island County provides educational and networking assistance to production agriculturalists and small-acreage landowners involved with food & fiber production, animal husbandry, horticulture, floriculture, and forestry/woodlot management.


Farm Finder and Local Food Resources

Find locally grown food on Whidbey and Camano Islands


Whidbey Island Growers Association

The Whidbey Island Growers Association is a monthly potluck and group discussion sponsored by WSU Extension Island County and the Whidbey Island Conservation District. Meetings are the first Monday of each month at various locations around Whidbey Island and are open to all who support Whidbey Island agriculture and local food systems. Contact Loren Imes to learn more and be notified about upcoming meetings.


Cultivating Success

The Cultivating Success™ Program offers educational programming to provide beginning and existing farmers with the planning & decision-making tools, production skills and support necessary to develop a sustainable small acreage farm. It connects students with the farmers and exposes them to real world situations through a community-based, experiential approach. Whether you are a community member wanting to learn the basics of farming/ranching or an experienced farmer/rancher wanting to try something new, Cultivating Success™ provides educational opportunities for you to be successful!

Learn more about the program and available classes or contact Loren Imes for more information about classes in Island County.


Women, Farms and Food

Women face unique challenges growing viable businesses in farming and ranching. They often are not taken as seriously as men when seeking loans and insurance, may feel unwelcome at predominantly men’s farming meetings, and often need off-farm income which requires working during the day and farming on evenings and weekends. This yearly, statewide event for women involved in agriculture, will provide risk-management and financial management education, and guidance in mitigating problems in running their businesses.

Contact Loren Imes for more information.


Island County Food Systems Newsletter

Agricultural and regionally relevant news, classes and events from WSU and WSU Extension. To be added to the mailing list, email loren.imes@wsu.edu

October, 2019
September, 2019
February, 2019
January, 2019

December, 2018
November, 2018
October, 2018
September, 2018


Island County AgWeatherNet Stations

AgWeatherNet provides access to current and historical weather data from Washington State University’s automated weather station network along with a range of models and decision aids. The weather data, advisories, customized weather alerts and decision support systems provided by AgWeatherNet and WSU can help improve production and product quality, optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact.

Current weather conditions at Coupeville.

Current weather conditions at Langley.

Current weather conditions at Arlington.

A full range of weather data from 175 stations across Washington state is available here.


Agricultural Education at WSU

Washington State University offers many opportunities to further your education in the field of Agriculture. From online certificate programs to advanced degrees. You can even enroll at WSU and take classes in our Coupeville office.

Here are some of the ways you can further your education:

Agricultural Undergraduate Studies

Agricultural Graduate Studies

Online Certificate in Organic Agriculture

Online Master of Science in Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Organic & Sustainable Agricultural (2+2 Transfer from Skagit Valley College to WSU Everett)


Agricultural Links:

Island County

WSU

Washington State

National

Events

Newsletters Major in Organic & Sustainable Agriculture from WSU Everett