||| FROM REBECCA MOORE for WSU EXTENSION |||
The 12th Annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit is taking place in-person on Orcas Island, March 8 & 9, 2024. This year’s event will consist of in-person workshops and other opportunities to gather around the island on Friday, and an in-person conference day on Saturday at Camp Orkila.
We will be looking through the lens of carbon to understand soil health, fertility, land stewardship, and climate resiliency with the theme It’s All About the Carbon! By centering our discussions around carbon, we aim to explore its crucial role in supporting ecological services such as nutrient cycling, water filtration, and habitat provision, thus emphasizing the interconnectedness between carbon management and sustainable agricultural practices. Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between carbon and agriculture, and discover how a deeper understanding of the carbon cycle can inform our efforts to work collaboratively with nature, fostering resilient and sustainable food systems for generations to come.
Author and agroecologist, Liz Carlisle, will give a keynote address titled “Climate Solutions in Agriculture: Building a Collective Movement through Diverse Strategies” to start the day on Saturday.
On Friday evening, we are welcoming the whole community to join us for a celebration at Odd Fellows Hall at 5:30pm with a free session hosted by our keynote, Liz Carlisle, called Germinating Ideas: Lightning talks on carbon, climate and agriculture in SJC, followed by dinner at 6:30 from The Kitchen and socializing until 9:00. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Housing will be available for Thursday and Friday evenings of the conference.
Online pre-registration is required this year for all Summit events and runs through March 1st. For more program details and registration: https://extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/ag-summit/
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 camaraderie, the Ag Summit features keynotes, hands-on workshops, presentations by farmers and regional specialists, panel discussions, meals and social events.
