The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (Ag Guild) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable local food system in San Juan County, Washington.
We engage with a variety of partners across the supply chain in an effort to strengthen the vitality of our local agricultural economy. Currently, the Ag Guild has four key focus areas:
Farmers-to-Farmland: we provide direct and practical support to farmers in the county. This includes free workshops and training on topics like Grant Writing and Finding Farm Funding, a mentor/mentee program for beginning farmers and ranchers, connecting landowners with farmers, and connecting new farmers with land opportunities.
Marketing and Awareness: this is where we create educational dialogue with consumers and provide resources to find / buy local goods. This program is crucial in generating demand for local goods and connecting eaters with growers. Not to mention, to capture stories of this place, its people, and the inspiring love that runs through our food system like a spin - ever strong and resilient.
Capital to Farmers via the FARM Fund: we provide grants and loans directly to farmers to help them start, strengthen, or expand their farming operations.
County-Wide Coordination: we are also a county-wide coordinator and project catalyst! There are a lot of organizations doing incredible work in the county. Sometimes the Ag Guild can help amplify their efforts through fiscal sponsorships or pulling groups together for collaboration.
Learn more at our website sjiagguild.com.