The San Juan Islands Agriculture Summit is a valued annual event that provides a unique opportunity for the food and agricultural community from across the islands, and beyond, to gather. Designed as a space for inspiration, education, and comradery, the Ag Summit features keynotes, hands-on workshops, presentations by farmers and regional specialists, panel discussions, meals and social events.
Started in 2013 by representatives of Washington State University Extension, San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee, San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild and San Juan Island Grange #966, this event has rotated between San Juan, Orcas and Lopez every year, except 2021 when we adapted to an online program. Each year the program is developed by a collaboration of local agricultural organizations with the guidance of a steering committee representing partners and stakeholders.
Funding for the Ag Summit comes from San Juan County WSU Extension, generous donors, business sponsors, in-kind contributions from partner organizations and ticket sales.
To join the Summit mailing list click here.
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Save the Date! The 2024 Ag Summit will be held in-person, Friday March 8 and Saturday March 9 at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. This year we are looking through the lens of carbon to understand soil health, fertility, land stewardship, and climate resiliency. Our theme for 2024 is “It’s All About the Carbon!”
Our keynote speaker for the Summit will be author and agroecologist, Liz Carlisle.
Liz Carlisle is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies Program at UC Santa Barbara, where she teaches courses on food and farming. Born and raised in Montana, she got hooked on agriculture while working as an aide to organic farmer and U.S. Senator Jon Tester, which led to a decade of research and writing collaborations with farmers in her home state. She has written three books about regenerative farming and agroecology: Lentil Underground (2015), Grain by Grain (2019, with co-author Bob Quinn), and most recently, Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming (2022). She is also a frequent contributor to both academic journals and popular media outlets, focusing on food and farm policy, incentivizing soil health practices, and supporting new entry farmers. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography, from UC Berkeley, and a B.A. in Folklore and Mythology, from Harvard University. Prior to her career as a writer and academic, she spent several years touring rural America as a country singer.
The San Juan Islands Ag Summit steering committee is seeking proposals for presentations for the 2024 Ag Summit.
We invite farmers, researchers, technical advisors, and others who wish to present practical experiences, key learnings, and expertise that will benefit the agricultural community on the islands to submit a proposal. You are encouraged to submit a proposal on behalf of yourself or someone else. In the past the Ag Summit steering committee has curated the presentations and invited presenters. This is the first year that we are putting out a call for proposals for session presenters.
The 2024 Ag Summit will be held in-person, Friday March 8 and Saturday March 9 at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. This year we are looking through the lens of carbon to understand soil health, fertility, land stewardship, and climate resiliency. Our theme for 2024 is “It’s All About the Carbon!”
Please note, you will be redirected to WSU’s online giving page which will instruct you to give to the San Juan County Extension Excellence Fund. This is correct. By clicking on this specific link, you will contribute to the Ag Summit Fund, which is housed within the San Juan County Extension Excellence Fund.
Support local agriculture by becoming a sponsor of the Ag Summit!
Make an investment in our local agricultural community by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorships support our ability to provide scholarships and keep our registration costs low. Contact rebecca.mooe1@wsu.edu for more information.
