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About the Agricultural Guild
Our Mission
The mission of the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild is to foster a vibrant and sustainable local food system in San Juan County, Washington, through technical and financial support to the agricultural community, consumer education, and advocacy on behalf of consumers and agricultural producers.
Our Vision
Agriculture is a vital component of our rural islands’ extraordinary beauty and abundance. Through a supportive community and regulatory environment in the County, more farmers, ranchers, food processors and food vendors prosper, and all islanders benefit from the subsequent local bounty. We envision a strong agricultural sector with many successful farmers producing an ever increasing percentage of the food consumed by islanders, thereby creating self-sufficiency and food security. San Juan County is a model in creative solutions for farmland preservation and in its support of farmers and in its celebration of our agricultural heritage and future.
Our History
In 2007, the Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) of San Juan County identified a project to help local farmers establish a Permanent Farmers' Market (PFM) as a major component for successful marketing of local agricultural goods in the islands.
According to Ron Zee, ARC Chairperson: “Although it would be on San Juan Island, it would open markets to farmers from other islands, and also it would serve as a model that might eventually be replicated on Orcas and Lopez.”
In early December 2007, a group of people representing a broad range of county agencies, farmers and local food advocates attended a meeting to envision a PFM on San Juan Island. A planning group was formed during that meeting and assigned the task of defining short-term and long-term goals and to identify an organization to take action to meet these goals.
The group has recommended the formation of a San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, a 501©(3) non-profit entity whose primary purpose is to foster sustainable agriculture in San Juan County. The Guild will coordinate its education and business development programs with other county and regional entities with similar goals.
The planning group has identified a number of key players to comprise the board, including representatives from San Juan Island, Orcas, and Lopez Farmer Market Associations, ARC, Economic Development Council, San Juan County Fair Board, WSU Extension, San Juan Islands Conservation District, Island Grown Farmers Cooperative, as well as three At Large positions. The Guild has also invited ex-officio (non-voting) representatives from the Northwest Agriculture Business Center, Port of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Library, and Skagit Valley College-Friday Harbor.
The new entity was ratified at a public meeting on February 4, 2008 held in the Community Room at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is our community’s vision of a permanent farmers market?
A permanent, covered, weather-resistant market outlet that is long-term, in-town, affordable, economically sustainable for farmers, accessible, expandable, with adequate parking, restrooms, eating space, and public commons to serve multiple uses. One that is a lively, active, thriving, festive place for the community and tourists to gather and for reinvigoration of the local agricultural economy.
How will the Guild differ from other local organizations?
The Guild’s identity is defined by its project priorities, and the first and foremost priority is the development of a permanent farmers market on San Juan Island. Other potential projects for the Guild in the future might include: farm-to-school program, cold storage facility, commercial kitchen, permanent farmers markets on Orcas and Lopez, and an agri-tourism program.
How will the Ag Guild differ from other local agricultural organizations?
The Ag Guild’s primary purpose is to foster sustainable agriculture in San Juan County. The Ag Guild will support agriculture, agricultural production, food systems, and agriculture related education and economic development in the San Juan Islands. The Ag Guild will coordinate with other county and regional agricultural organizations with similar goals, and unlike other local agricultural organizations, the Ag Guild is a non-profit 501©(3) and can receive tax deductible charitable donations.
To achieve its purpose, the Ag Guild has identified support of existing SJC farmers markets as its first priority. Farmers markets provide the largest venues for local farmers to sell directly to consumers. Support and enhancement of the farmers markets has the greatest potential for county-wide agricultural food systems and economic development.
Agricultural Guild Bylaws
Agricultural Guild Articles of Incorporation