Tilth Conference set for Oct. 26-28 at Fort Worden

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Washington State University Extension’s Regional Small Farms Program, Washington Organic Recycling Council and Washington Tilth Alliance have partnered to bring the Tilth Conference to Port Townsend’s Fort Worden, Oct. 26-28.

The Tilth Conference is an annual event bringing together hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, researchers and educators for more than 25 lectures, workshops and panel discussions that highlight Washington state’s farmers. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale.

Organizers have packed the schedule with a variety of approaches to learning and something for everyone in the farm and food sphere. This year’s theme is “Returning to Common Ground: Building Cooperative Food Systems for a More Resilient Future.”

Said organizers, “Between climate change worries, land access difficulties, financial management, and hard physical, emotional, and mental labor, starting, developing, and maintaining a farm business can be incredibly challenging. We believe that strengthening ties to our communities and cultivating models of reciprocity and mutual aid are essential to overcoming these hurdles.”

Conference speakers present on a range of topics covering a variety of scales, experience levels and interests, from implementing new technology to developing expanding markets; from building food resiliency to creating change through political advocacy.

The Tilth Conference also includes a Farm Walk at nearby farms, social and networking events, an industry trade show, community roundtable and a special banquet dinner and awards ceremony.

Registration is $275 for farmers, ranchers and students, $375 for nonprofit employees, and $500 for all other registrants. Scholarships are available for those unable to register otherwise.

Visit tinyurl.com/SEQtilth for more information or to register.