WSU KITSAP EXTENSION
Farming & Food Systems
Growing Knowledge, Cultivating Change
Welcome to the WSU Kitsap Extension Farming & Food Systems Program
The program offers opportunities for farmer education, technical assistance, food safety & preservation, resources, and fosters important local food systems partnerships across Kitsap County.
Check out the information below or contact one of our program coordinators for more information.
Program Contact
Jess Sappington, Farming & Food Systems Program SupervisorPhone Number(360) 228-7308 Email Address • jess.sappington@wsu.edu
WSU Ext program schedules vary and staff are frequently out in the field or may be working remotely. Please call or email prior to visiting to ensure that the staff member you are looking for is available.
Farmer Education and Technical Assistance
We are part of the WSU Regional Small Farms program and can provide farmers with the following:
- Farmer Technical Assistance: We provide one-on-one technical assistance to farmers across Kitsap County. Have a pest issue?, need a resource? We have specialists across our region that can assist you! Visit our Farmer Technical Assistance Form to get started.
- Events and Classes for farmers: Check out our upcoming Workshop and Class listings through the Regional Small Farms program.
- Need additional resources? Check out the WSU Agriculture Publications
Kitsap Farm Mentor Program
The Kitsap Farm Mentor Program provides staff time and support to approved Farm Mentors across Kitsap County. Mentors work with WSU Kitsap to collectively provide instruction and hands-on learning to their farm interns through small intern group classes throughout the season.
Interested in learning more about the program or becoming a farm mentor?
Interested in learning more about the program or becoming a farm mentor?
Direct Market Farms and Farmers Market Support
If you are a direct market farm or farmers market in Clallam, Jefferson or Kitsap, our program can help support you through:
- Farm stand and vendor resources and support.
- Interested in offering SNAP/EBT to your customers? We can answer your questions as well as provide you resources and assistance navigating the process.
- Already taking SNAP/EBT at your farm stand or market? – Reach out to us if you are interested in learning more about the SNAP Market Match incentive program through WA State Dept. of Health. OR If you are a farm stand or market already taking part in the program, we are your local SNAP Market Match Technical Assistance Provider. Reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Capacity Building, Coalitions & Networks
The Farming & Food System program in Kitsap works collaboratively with partners across the county to build a thriving local food system. Examples of groups and networks we help provide administrative and facilitation support to can be found below.
- Kitsap Agritourism Coalition (KAC)
- Kitsap Farmland Preservation Coalition (KFPC)
- Kitsap Food Systems Roundtable
Interested in partnering with Extension on farming & food systems related work? We would love to connect!
Food Safety & Preservation
If you are a farmer, homesteader, or a food consumer, food safety and preservation is important! Our program provides community members across Kitsap with education and resources around:
- Food safety basics education
- Food Preservation Basics
- Food Preservation articles & resources
- Pressure canner safety and testing
Kitsap Farming & Food Systems Staff
Kitsap Farming & Food Systems Program Supervisor
Sustainable Living & Development Coordinator
New & Beginning Farmer Coordinator
Regional Staff
Regional Small Farms Program Coordinator
