Submitted by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild.

The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild FARM Fund (Food, Agriculture, Relationships, Markets) is excited to announce the distribution of $19,144.47 in grants to San Juan County farms. These grants were made possible by generous gifts from the Orcas Island Community Foundation, the Pleiades Foundation, the Orcas Food Co-op, and anonymous donors.

The 2024 FARM Fund grants will support projects that strengthen and develop regenerative, commercial agriculture in San Juan County while increasing the supply and availability of local food. The FARM Fund is committed to pursuing innovative ways to create a more resilient local food system while promoting the economic growth and viability of San Juan County farmers.

Twenty-four farmers submitted grant proposals for $800 – $2,500, with a total of $53,796.77 in requested funds. A seven-member committee ultimately chose to fund 11 high-impact projects that will regenerate our local ecosystem through agriculture and unlock new economic opportunities for island farmers.

Funds were distributed throughout the county. Recipients include: Lopez Island – Still Light Farm and Sunnyfield Farm; Orcas Island – Crozier Farm and Orchard, Lum Farm, Orcas Moon Farm, and West Beach Farm; San Juan Island – Ferry Boat Seeds, New Hannah Farm, Mama Bird Farm, and Seagate Farm; and Waldron – Nootka Rose Farm. Projects include materials and equipment to increase composting, reusable materials for dairy products, infrastructure for long-term protection from deer and birds, equipment for plant propagation and seed businesses, and materials for an earth-bag cellar for cool storage. Details of awards can be viewed at www.sjiagguild.com/past-farm-fund-recipients.

The FARM Fund is actively seeking philanthropic gifts to fund future grant cycles to support our farming community. Giving to the Farm Fund is a great way to directly impact the farmers in our community! To learn more about the FARM Fund, please go to sjiagguild.com/farm-fund or email farmfund@sjiagguild.com.

The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild is a county-wide, community-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, resilient and sustainable local food system in San Juan County, Washington.