Announcing Kitsap County Ag Summit

Agriculture Community and Local Food Supporters Invited to June 4th Event at Olympic College


For Immediate Release: Innovative Small Farmer Joel Salatin To Speak At Low Cost Public Event

Puyallup, WA – April 15, 2008 – The Pierce Conservation District announced today that Joel Salatin, one of America’s most dynamic and innovative small farmers, will headline a public event on Wednesday, June 4th at Olympic College in Bremerton from 6:00 - 8:30 pm.

Known as the “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-lunatic farmer” and the subject of the book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” Salatin will share his experience in managing and growing an environmentally sustainable farm – Polyface Farm located in Swoope, VA. Salatin promotes food production that is environmentally, emotionally and economically enhancing for producers and consumers. He compares food produced on factory farms to food grown on pasture-based farms, and advocates responsible consumer choices in food buying.

The June 4th public event will follow three strategic planning sessions Salatin will conduct with Kitsap and Pierce County community, economic and agricultural leaders and planners. The Pierce Conservation District, a local non-regulatory state agency whose directive is to help landowners protect natural resources and support local farming activities, is organizing these events in collaboration with the following co-sponsors: the Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance, the Kitsap Conservation District, the WA State Farmers Market Association, the WSU Kitsap Extension, and Olympic College.

“If you wonder where your food comes from, have a back yard flock, maintain a back forty herd, or are just interested in supporting local agriculture, the summit featuring Joel Salatin is geared towards you,” said Monty Mahan, Executive Director of the Pierce Conservation District. “We all have a responsibility to keep local farms productive and prosperous. The public event and strategic planning sessions are designed to rally support around the “locavore” movement and help pave the way for a thriving farm community in the region.”

Area farmers and event sponsors will be on hand at the June 4th public event to respond to questions and distribute information. While this event is open to the public, space is limited and pre-registration is required. Tickets are $5 per person, and are available on a “first come/first served” basis. Contact Monty Mahan at (360) 710-1506 or email to montymahan@gmail.com to register.

PS: Thanks for the notice in the Everett Herald!