Local News

The third annual Wahkiakum Ag Summit, presented by WSU Wahkiakum County Extension, will feature regional experts speaking on tapping into expanding markets for organic and locally produced foods, on May 5 in the River Street Meeting Room at 25 River Street in Cathlamet.
Locally grown and organic foods are steadily growing in popularity nationwide and in Wahkiakum County. WSU Wahkiakum County Extension's small farms coordinator Carrie Kennedy reports the number of businesses listing in the Wahkiakum Food and Farm Guide more than doubled this year, from six businesses in 2006 to 14 businesses in 2007.
According to a recent Time magazine article, nearly a quarter of American shoppers now buy organic products once a week, and many conscientious shoppers are increasingly seeking locally produced food with concerns over food security and rising fuel costs.
The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with keynote speaker Tim Crosby of 21 Acre Farm in Woodinville. Crosby was recently featured in the Capital Press emphasizing the value of eating locally produced foods to food security and the economy.
"When food is fresh, local and tied to farmers who are benefiting their communities, everyone comes out ahead," he explained.
Morning sessions will also include Gary Burkhalter, a Rosburg dairy farmer, speaking on his family farm's transition to organic and selling through Organic Valley Cooperative.
A representative from the WSDA Organic program will speak in the afternoon on organic certification.
Afternoon sessions also include Mary Embleton, executive director of Cascade Harvest Coalition and Puget Sound Fresh. She will speak on their promotion of Puget Sound farms with the Puget Sound Fresh brand.
Jennifer Johnson, Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce director will speak on local efforts to create a regional brand for products grown in the Lower Columbia region.
Time will be available at lunch to network with speakers as well as area farmers interested in connecting with local buyers. Lunches will be available at the event for a small fee, or participants may bring their own sack lunch. Call Carrie Kennedy at the WSU Extension office, 360-795-3278 to RSVP and for more information.