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Coronavirus COVID-19

COVID-19 Advisory: WSU Extension is working to keep our communities safe. All Extension programming is being provided virtually, postponed, or canceled. Effective March 16, 2020, WSU Extension county offices and WSU Research & Extension Centers will be closed to the public. We are available via email, phone, and webconference.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Program Contact: Kate Mikulak, Ag Program Coordinator
(360) 370-7664 • Kathryn.mikulak@wsu.edu

Solar on Farmland- Opportunities and Considerations in NW WA

woman squatting tending to crops. solar array in background

 

When: September 23, 2021 | 6:30-8pm
Cost:  Free  REGISTER HERE
Where: Online via Zoom

In the face of Climate Change and development pressure, Northwest Washington needs both solar power generation and increased protection of agricultural land. Agrivoltaics are an emerging strategy that incorporates photovoltaic arrays into agricultural systems. Join us on Thursday, Sept 23rd, from 6:30-8 pm via zoom to learn about the opportunities, considerations, and nitty-gritty details. This presentation is geared toward farmers and agricultural landowners although all are welcome. 

“Agrivoltaics provide a rare chance for true synergy: more food, more energy, lower water demand, lower carbon emissions, and more prosperous rural communities,” -Chad Higgins

This webinar is a collaboration between the San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee, SJC WSU Extension, Oregon State University, and American Farmland Trust.

Speakers: Chad Higgins Oregon State University, Biological and Ecological Engineering; Addie Candib American Farmland Trust; Rainshadow Solar

Fall 2021 Cultivating Success: Whole Farm Planning Course

 

¡Curso traducido al Español! This course will be offered with Spanish language interpretation and facilitation.

We’ll cover a broad overview of production and marketing options for today’s small farm! Whether you are just exploring the opportunities available or already have an existing operation, you’ll learn what it takes to create, sustain, and grow a viable small farm. 

  • Class begins September 21st running through December 7th, 2021.
  • Scholarships are available for Military Veterans. Limited scholarships available for anyone for which the course fee is a barrier.
More information and register here: https://www.cultivatingsuccesswa.org/whole-farm-planning

 

 

Value-Added Food Product Development Series

 

Introduction to Value-Added Food Development

When: December 8 & 9, 2021  8am-5pm

Each day will focus on a different category of food products. You can attend one or both days.

Fee: $10

Where: Brickworks, 150 Nichols St. Friday Harbor, WA
(May go to online learning depending on current conditions)

Geared towards small scale producers of preserves, sauces, dressings and vinegars, snacks, baked goods, and other value-added products.

This workshop will provide the region’s small-scale prepared food producers with up-to-date information and technical knowledge of the food product development process for the specialty food industry and how to bring such products to market, targeted to start-up entrepreneurs and food product developers.

Participants will be guided through the various steps from concept development to the market, with an emphasis on factors to consider for scaling up the product from the kitchen to commercial production. Speaker(s) will provide examples to illustrate the steps and end goal.

Lead Presenter: Dr. Girish Ganjyal, WSU Extension Food Processing Specialist (https://foodprocessing.wsu.edu/contact/)

Topics to be covered

  • Value-added product development process overview
  • Concept development
  • Kitchen/Lab-scale product development
  • Scale-up issues in product development
  • Food safety regulations
  • Business planning and marketing
  • Food business license in WA state

Please contact Kate Mikulak, WSU SJC Ag Program Coordinator, kathryn.mikulak@wsu.edu or 360-370-7664, regarding registration or content questions.

 

FSPCA FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Foods: Parts 1 & 2

SAVE THE DATE: Trainings for the next step of value-added production, FSPCA (Food Safety Preventative Controls Alliance) FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) Preventive Controls for Human Foods will be offered in Early 2022.

Part 1 is done online, at your own pace. You will want to give yourself at least 4 weeks to complete it, and completion is mandatory to take Part 2. Part 2 will be held in person, in Friday Harbor, Spring 2022.

By successfully completing this course, you will meet the requirements as a FSPCA Preventive Controls Qualified Person who can manage a food safety preventive controls program in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls Rule of the US Food and Drug Administration.

General Information about these trainings can be found here: FSPCA FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Foods: Parts 1 & 2

Read the latest Preventive Controls for Human Food: An Overview – Extension Informational PDF Document.