Cideries, Produce Farmers, Orchardists, Vineyards: Invited to Farmer’s Resource Workshop

Cascadia Conservation District is holding a free workshop on January 29th for produce farmers, orchardists, cideries, and vineyards to learn about a variety of resources. The Farmer's Resource workshop will have marketing tools, payment programs and more condensed in one location for a one stop shop.

"The workshop is focused on specific resources that Cascadia Conservation District and some of our close partners have available for farmers," said MarySutton Carruthers, resource specialist. "By farmers, we mean small scale produce farmers all the way up to large scale tree fruit growers."

Resources will vary from low cost, low share options for farm infrastructure upgrades to payment incentives for choosing to chip orchard tree removals. The event will also give farmers access to learn more on becoming a Salmon Safe certified farm.

"Salmon Safe is an eco label, sort of similar to an organic label. The requirements are different, but same idea that you get this market boost by showing that you're implementing best practices on your farm to become salmon safe," said Carruthers. "Our partnership with them reduces some of the barriers for entry for farmers, because we have funding available to cover the fees associated with that assessment."

The event is at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort from 9-12 and followed by a farm tour. To RSVP, contact MarySutton at marysuttonc@cascadiacd.org or 509-436-1601.