 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
EventsKCAA's monthly meetings are THE place to discuss questions and share information about Kitsap agriculture. April 14, 2009 Meeting
KCAA's April 14th Meeting 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 For Past Meetings 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 November 11, 2008 Meeting Biodynamic Farming
Featured Presenter: Theodore Carlat, 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:
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 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 October 7, 2008 Meeting "Growing in Hoop Houses in Western Washington"
Featured Presenter: Terry Anne Carkner, owner of Terry's Berries, 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 September 9, 2008 Meeting "Improving Your Farm and the Environment"
Featured Presenter: Joy Garitione, District Coordinator, 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 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 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 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 |
|