Save-the-Date for the 2027 Ag Summit!
When: February 27, 2027
Where: Camp Orkila on Orcas Island, WA
We’re thrilled to announce that Rob Smith, Executive Director of Viva Farms, will be joining us as the keynote speaker for the 2027 San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit! This year’s theme, Cultivating Connections, celebrates the relationships, partnerships, and shared knowledge that help our agricultural communities thrive.
Rob has over 20+ years of experience at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, farm business development, and social advocacy.
Previously as Viva Farms’ Director of Programs and Operations, Rob was integral to building up the programs, land, infrastructure, and people that have made Viva Farms into a leading farm incubator program nationally. As Executive Director, he now guides the organization’s overall strategy and growth — equally at home on a tractor as in the boardroom — working closely with staff, board, and partners to ensure both the success of incubating farm businesses and the fulfillment of Viva Farms’ mission. He is one of the few Spanish-speaking Certified Lead Trainers with the Produce Safety Alliance in the region and has taught courses both locally and internationally.
We look forward to learning from Rob at the Summit!
The San Juan Islands Agricultural 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 camaraderie, 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 and organization sponsors, in-kind contributions from partner organizations and ticket sales.
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.
Use this sponsorship form to let us know you would like to sponsor the 2027 SJI Ag Summit.
Or contact rebecca.moore1@wsu.edu for more information.
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Please consider donating to the Ag Summit fund. This fund supports future Summits by providing resources needed to offer scholarships, keep registration costs low, and provide our speakers with equitable honorarium payments for their time, knowledge, and experience.
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.