KCAA’s monthly meetings are THE place to discuss questions and share information about Kitsap agriculture.  For Past Meetings Read Below.

KCAA Monthly Meeting

Note our New Day and Location !

DATE: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION:  “The Hub” at Hillcrest Assembly Church, 6750 SR 303 NE, Bremerton, WA

Creating a Kitsap Buy Local Campaign

It is time to raise the public’s consciousness on buying local. We want you to be a community leader in this. We would like your voice to be heard, so we invite you to participate.  

The purpose of this meeting is to bring together individuals and groups that are working separately to advance buy local food campaigns so that a Buy Local Campaign can move forward.

Anticipated results include a multi-organizational entity that is taken seriously by county officials, businesses, other organizations, and the media, which will then contribute to an effective campaign.  

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December 2011 Meeting:  No Meeting in December

November 2011 Meeting:

Monday, November 21, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.,  Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383

Topic: KCAA Annual Meeting & Board Elections

Join us and meet our five new Board Members!

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October 2011 Meeting:

Monday, October 17,  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383

Topic: Planning Our Future Meetings

KCAA needs you!  Your Board is currently working to plan meetings for the next 12 months. We need to know what would you like to learn about or hear discussed!

Come & share your ideas and vision.

Our Annual Meeting and Election is coming up soon.  Have a passion for local agriculture and local food? Consider a nomination to the Board. Help shape the future of farming in Kitsap!

No Potluck this month! We are taking a break from our usual potluck in September. 
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September 2011 Meeting:

Monday, September 19,  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383

Topic: Healthy Soil is the Foundation of a Healthy Food System

Brian Thompson from the Kitsap Conservation District has kindly offered to share his knowledge about soil.

Late summer and early fall are particularly good times to test your soil. An improperly taken soil sample can leave you “barking up the wrong tree.”  Learn the correct method for soil sampling and much more about the soil that sustains us.

No Potluck this month! We are taking a break from our usual potluck in September. 
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June 2011 Meeting: 

Monday, June 20,  6:30 p.m. to 8:30p.m., Island Lake Community Center, 1087 NW Island Lake Rd, Poulsbo, WA 98370

Topic: Year-Round Farmer’s Market: How Do We Make this Happen? – Continuing the Discussion

At our May 18th meeting, people were so excited about our round table discussion on developing a year-round farmer’s market that we are continuing and expanding it in June.

For a long time in Kitsap, there has been a desire for a year-round farmer’s market, but missing are the down and dirty details of how we can make it happen.

Who should be at the table? Customers, producers, members of the boards of markets, policy makers, and market managers need to sit down and layout the basics to move forward. Bring your experience, ideas, and information. This is a community discussion.

Among the questions that may be discussed are:
- What attracts customers?
- How much does it cost to run?
- How much do the vendors earn?
- What makes one market successful and another a failure?
- How do we have enough local food in February?  
- How do we build the infrastructure? 

Is your hot button idea not here? Bring it with you. This is important. This will help make local food sustainable all year-round. We look forward to seeing you there.

The results of this discussion will be forwarded to the Food and Farm Policy Council. If you want to learn more about the FFPC and the Kitsap Food Chain, click here and read about it. 

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April 2011 Meeting:

Monday: April 18, 2011, 6:30-8:30 pm

Topic: Putting Rain Gardens in Your Life for Beauty and Utility

Rain gardens give us the ability to mimic nature by treating stormwater and putting it back in the ground. 

Come next Monday to hear Teresa Brooks of the Kitsap Conservation District (KCD) speak on how rain gardens and how KCD can help you install one in your home or farm garden. She will also introduce us to the KCD cistern project. Joining her will be Nikki Johansen and others who have worked with the KCD. 

Rain Gardens are simply shallow depressions that:

• Can be shaped and sized to fit your yard
• Are constructed with soil mixes that allow water to soak in rapidly and support healthy plant growth
• Can be landscaped with a variety of plants to fit the surroundings

KCD is offering Technical Assistance and cost share for the implementation of rain gardens. Our new program, sponsored by Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater, will help landowners install these great water-saving gardens.
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March 2011 Meeting:

Monday: March  21, 2011, 6:30-8:30 pm

Topic: Grown, Made and Sold in Kitsap: Meet the Farmers, Meet the Farmers Markets

On the second day of SPRING, you are invited to meet the Farmers, Markets, Craftspeople, and Artisans who make Kitsap County a fun place to live. Be prepared to buy CSA shares, and maybe a wool hat. This is a mini fair on the second day of SPRING!

Every day more seeds are going into the ground here in Kitsap County. Booths and market tents are being readied for the market season. Farmers are selling CSA shares and getting ready for the Farmers Markets. Meet the farmers and see what they are offering this season. Learn about Community Supported Agriculture — CSA — and other ways you can buy Kitsap Grown, farm fresh food. Farmers Markets open in early April, selling locally grown food, plant starts, and crafts.

All over Kitsap Farmers Markets bring you fresh vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, cheese, fish, and seafood. Plus, the Food Coop is moving forward, and has much to share.Join us for a delightful evening of talking one on one with farmers and the folks who manage the farmers markets. 

Meet the people who work to make this a vibrant farming area. If you are a producer who has not been contacted, contact us. We want you to participate!__________________________________________________________

February Meeting:

Monday, February 21, 2011 6:30-8:30 PM

Topic: Community vs Agriculture: Slap down or love fest?

Join our guest Tim Trohimovich in a discussion on how community planning can support agriculture in Kitsap County. Tim and Futurewise have been in the front lines preserving farmland around the state. He will be sharing that experience with us as our county officials draft the policies and regulations for all types of rural activities that will be set into code this year.

The discussion will include:
* What Futurewise can do in Kitsap County.
* What State and County right to farm laws mean.
* What the key land-use related issues facing agriculture in Kitsap County are.

Join us in brainstorming some solutions, and hear how some other areas have addressed these issues.
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January 2011 Meeting:

Monday: January 17,  2011, 6:30-8:30 pm

Join our panel and attendee discussion about the opportunities for young people to learn and participate in agriculture. Schools and civic organization in Kitsap provide agricultural learning opportunities for young people.

From pre-school kids to high school students, vibrant programs are available, and more are being developed right now. Get connected with these programs and find out how you and your children can enjoy the rural culture we live in.
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December Meeting:

Note: New Weekday for our Monthly Meetings -
Monday, December 13th, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm

Note: Change of Location – Eagle’s Nest, Kitsap County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Rd, Bremerton

Who should attend   All who are interested in eating locally grown food or growing their own food in Kitsap County. City chickens in Bremerton, independent local-food stores, farmers markets, restaurants featuring locally grown food, small commercial farms, a rise in backyard farmers and gardeners, and a continued interest in keeping horses prove that locally grown food in Kitsap County moved into the mainstream this year. Meet other like-minded people and help the KCAA shape agriculture in Kitsap.

Topic: Panel and Attendee discussion about the future of Agricultural Zoning.

Kitsap County is now without agricultural zoning and is currently working on creating some. What does that mean for you and a historical industry that has been kicked a bit. The new zoning will affect everything from growing and selling fruit and vegetables to owning livestock, including horses.

Food: Potluck. Please bring a favorite and easy dish that can be enjoyed by three or four other people.

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Join us Tuesday November 9th for a Meet and Greet Potluck and Board Member Election.

Who should attend: All who are interested in eating locally grown food or growing their own food in Kitsap County.

Topic: City chickens in Bremerton, independent local-food stores, farmers markets, restaurants featuring locally grown food, small commercial farms, and a rise in backyard farmers and gardeners prove that locally grown food in Kitsap County moved into the mainstream this year. Meet other like-minded people and help the KCAA set its course for 2011.

Food: Potluck. Please bring a favorite and easy dish that can be enjoyed by three or four other people.
Extra: This is also the annual meeting of the KCAA and new members to the board of directors will be introduced.

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 6:30 PM

Read Jill Warning’s report on this meeting.

Kathryn Gardow and Melissa Campbell of the PCC Farmland Trust

Silverdale Grange Hall
12535 Clear Creek Rd NW
Silverdale, WA 98383

Farmland preservation is front and center at the KCAA April 13 meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Silverdale Grange, 12535 Clear Creek Road NW, Silverdale is a must-attend event.  Speakers will be executive director Kathryn Gardow, and farmland stewardship and land specialist Melissa Campbell of the renowned PCC Farmland Trust.

April 14, 2009 Meeting

KCAA’s April 14th Meeting
features the Puget Sound Meat Producers Co-op

A Big Impact Local Food Initiative That Truly Makes A Difference — Mobile USDA Certified Animal Processing Unit Nearing Completion

While grocery store owners and management have had a laser focus on the consumer capturing the attention of the majority of shoppers, they have had less concern with the economic health of their producers and tend to rely heavily on price. Less than 20 cents of every retail dollar spent in a grocery store makes its way back to the farmer that produced the raw food.

Some farmers and ranchers are pretty good marketers, but many are not. Most good folks attracted to farming do not focus on marketing and the consumer experience even though the quality of what they produce is usually higher with a superior nutritional content. This is the fundamental “disconnect” that proponents of local food must address.

This is why the formation of the Puget Sound Meat Producers Cooperative is so important to local food consumers and producers.

KCAA supports their effort and is featuring founder Cheryl Oulette and some of the other members of the co-op in a presentation about their plans and the benefits of getting involved. Individuals can become non-voting associate members for just a $50.00 one time fee.

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge; Open to the public

January 13, 2009 Meeting

What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture is a system where subscribers enter an agreement with a farmer, typically for fresh vegetables or other local food, for a number of weeks in a growing season. How does belonging to a CSA benefit local agriculture and our local economy? How does it work for the consumer? Am I ready as a local farmer to begin a CSA? Come get your questions answered and hear local producers tell about the CSA programs they offer. Locally produced refreshments will be served.

The Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance (KCAA) is a community membership organization dedicated to promoting the bonds between agriculture and the community in the Kitsap Peninsula.

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

November 11, 2008 Meeting

Biodynamic Farming

Featured Presenter: Theodore Carlat,
Owner/Manager of Olympic Pastured Poultry

KCAA is pleased to bring Theodore Carlat to Kitsap County for a presentation on Biodynamic Farming. Learn about this wise practice from a farmer whose operation centers on respecting the soil like a living organism, which is the basis of the Biodynamic philosophy.

Theodore Carlat is the owner/manager of Olympic Pastured Poultry. He produces pastured, organic chickens, turkeys and geese, and is supported by a group of CSA investors that believe in locally produced foods.

For more information about his farm and his products, visit:

http://www.olympicpasturedpoultry.com

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Silverdale Grange Hall
12535 Clear Creek Rd NW, Silverdale, WA
2 miles north of Silverdale on Clear Creek Road
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

December 2, 2008 Meeting

The Future for Farmers in Kitsap

Do you want to be a grower and contribute to our fresh local food supply for profit? Are you interested in purchasing fresh local food in your community? Opportunities are now ripe for both the producer and the consumer because of broadened demand and marketing outlets for local food a farm stands, CSA programs, and Farmers Markets.

If we work together we can achieve the best for all those wanting to be involved in producing and purchasing fresh local food.

Come and join us to hear the progress made in the past year to promote agricultural production in Kitsap County and learn how you can help build the momentum.

KCAA invites you to share your ideas and questions at our next meeting. Locally produced refreshments will be served.

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

October 7, 2008 Meeting

“Growing in Hoop Houses in Western Washington”

Featured Presenter: Terry Anne Carkner, owner of Terry’s Berries,
Puyallup, WA

Terry will discuss the many aspects of growing crops utilizing low-cost hoop house construction. She will present information about materials and methods used to install your own structure. Her talk will be aided with a Power Point presentation she has developed to share information about their 200 share CSA operation. Terry and her husband manage their 20 acre farming operation in the lush Puyallup Valley and have been using organic practices for the past 17 years. They grow blueberries, raspberries, apples and other fruits as well as flowers and a large variety of produce. The Carkner’s are committed to growing high-quality, fresh food for healthy people and to bridging the gap between consumer and farmer.

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

September 9, 2008 Meeting

“Improving Your Farm and the Environment”

Featured Presenter: Joy Garitione, District Coordinator,
Kitsap Conservation District

Bring your questions and come and participate in this informative workshop by our district coordinator and supportive staff for an interesting presentation and pictures of farms in our community.

See how our Kitsap Conservation District has been involved with our local farms and rural lands.

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

July 1, 2008 Meeting

“King Corn” Feature Documentary

As they say, “you are what you eat.” Learn the real meaning of those words when you watch this fascinating story unfold in this DVD production.

King Corn is a feature documentary about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation. Iowa corn country is the setting of this powerful story of herbicides, chemicals, and genetically engineered seeds. Learn how corn plays a major part in entering our food system and diets as these two young men follow the path of their crop.

Join us for this presentation and discussion of food and farming in our community.

For more information about “King Corn,” visit: http://www.kingcorn.net

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Norm Dicks Government Center Auditorium
345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Information: 360-779-6523

Cost: Free of charge

June 4, 2008 Meeting

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm – known as the “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-lunatic farmer” and the subject of the book The Omnivore’s Dilemma – shared his experience in managing and growing an environmentally sustainable farm (“Polyface Farm”) located in Swoope, VA.

Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Olympic College, Bremerton, WA

May 6, 2008 Meeting

“The Real Dirt on Farmer John”

An epic tale of a Maverick Midwestern Farmer

Join us for a story about farming you will not want to miss! Journey with Farmer John as he tells of the experiences he encounters as he evolves into the successful farmer he is today. It tells of him being an outcast in his community as he bravely stands amidst a failing economy, vicious rumors, and violence. Follow his journey as it takes you to some off-the-wall places but leads you to the creation of Angelic Organics CSA Farms. Community Supported Agriculture programs are thought to be the revolution and resurrection of farming in America.

This is a powerful story of transformation. You will laugh and you will cry. Travel a path that similar farmers have followed in order to survive changing times.

As shown on PBS and other media, this award winning DVD about the creation of Angelic Organics CSA Farms was given 3½ stars by Roger Ebert, and a strong green light by folks protecting our environment.

Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Olympic College, Bremerton, WA