Tour a 35-year old diversified, fresh-market organic farm and learn about an emerging, cooperative business model that is gaining
interest around the state and country.
The farm walk, offered in both English and Spanish, will highlight the practices in the field and at the market that make
Alm Hill Gardens unique. From one of the original year-round, direct-market farms at Pike Place Market, Alm Hill has transformed
into a worker-managed cooperative that sells at 17 farmers markets per week, supplies dozens of NW Washington restaurants, schools,
and grocers, and participates in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
Participants will learn about approaches to season extension and year-round farming, crop diversity (annuals and perennials),
mixed berry production, and direct marketing strategies. Research taking place on the farm in coordination with WSU will be
highlighted, including integrated pest management and field trials of several varieties of fruits and vegetables.
Join the Alm Hill Team for a day on a truly unique farm. A family farm, a community farm, and a blossoming cooperative
powered by new generation and Latino farmers. Learn how Alm Hill Gardens serves as a model for farm succession and community
building. In collaboration with the non-profit, Growing Washington, the farm also serves as the hub for Northwest Washington's
farm-to-school efforts, a multiple farm CSA, a farm stand in downtown Bellingham, a collaborative I-5 corridor farm-to-restaurant
system, the Whatcom County Food Bank Farm, and other community projects.
This farmer-to-farmer learning experience allows time for questions and answers, at an advanced level, and an opportunity for
farmers to share what practices are being used and the logic behind them.
The cost is $10.00 for Tilth Producers members and $15.00 for non-members.
Register on-site or pre-register by mailing a check to Tilth Producers, PO Box 85056, Seattle, WA 98145. Brown bag
lunch recommended. Beverages provided.
Details about all Farm Walks are available at www.tilthproducers.org and
www.smallfarms.wsu.edu. The Farm Walk is
sponsored by Tilth Producers of Washington and the Washington State University Small Farms Team.
2008 Farm Walk Series - May through October
Farmer-to-Farmer: Passing on the Wisdom
For the fifth year, Tilth Producers of Washington and Washington State University's Small Farms Team will offer a
series of educational Farm Walks for growers. Farm Walks bring growers and agricultural specialists together to
learn on working farms across Washington.
- Monday July 28 Alm Hill Gardens, Everson
- Monday August 18 21 Acres, Woodinville
- Monday September 1 Methow Creamery, Twisp
- Monday September 8 Nashs Organic Produce, Sequim
- Monday October 6 - Styger Family Dairy Farm, Chehalis
Each Farm Walk includes a tour led by the host farmer, a booklet of handouts, and onsite
specialists to serve as resources.
Volunteer Event: Experience Farming Project
Saturday August 9 Work Party at Full Circle Farm
In response to an overwhelming request from our CSA members and local community, we are opening up
our barn doors to volunteers. Come out to Carnation and experience what work is like on our organic farm! We have
created the Experience Farming Project as means for community members to make a hands-on contribution to the
development of a more sustainable food system.
Calendar of work parties:
August 9, Full Circle Farm / Griffin Creek, farming practices and harvesting
September 13, Full Circle Farm / Griffin Creek, farming practices and harvesting
October 11, Full Circle Farm / Ames Creek, farming practices and harvesting
October 18, Ames Creek Farm / Ames Creek, habitat restoration
