The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market and the Port Angeles Farmers Market have each been chosen to receive a 2025 Farmer of the Year award from North Olympic Land Trust.

The award honors organizations or individuals that have made a significant impact on farmland, farm culture, and the resulting food supply.

According to a release from North Olympic Land Trust, farmers markets are often an overlooked staple in their communities, yet they are important to a robust farming culture.

“The farmers markets of Clallam County are no exception when it comes to diverse local farm vendors, helpful and kind humans, and an array of food access programs for the community,” the announcement stated.

Both the Sequim and Port Angeles farmers markets feature nearly two dozen local farmers, some of whom are just starting out.

“One of the most important things for any farmer is to have access to customers and a place to sell their harvest,” Tom Sanford, executive director of North Olympic Land Trust, said in the release. “For years, the Sequim and Port Angeles markets have been such a reliable place for my family to get fresh, super local meats and produce right from the farmer. Plus, it’s always a fun outing and a place to run into friends!”

The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market is in its 30th season. The Port Angeles Farmers Market, which operates year-round, is approaching its 25th anniversary. Some farmers at the Port Angeles market sell handmade goods in the winter.

North Olympic Land Trust noted that the farmers markets are helping to increase the fruit and vegetable spending power of food stamp cardholders and their families. The Port Angeles Farmers Market also created a program called Protein Match, which allows those cardholders to gain even more spending power towards fresh meat and poultry, eggs, dairy and seafood.

The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market and the Port Angeles Farmers Market will be awarded the 2025 Farmer of the Year awards during North Olympic Land Trust’s 23rd Annual Harvest Celebration on Nov. 1 at Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles.

North Olympic Land Trust, founded in 1990, is a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of open spaces, local food, local resources, healthy watersheds and recreational opportunities.