HomeMy WebLinkAboutUPDATE WSU Small Farms - PRESENTATIONWSU ExtensionRegional Small Farms Program
Program Activity Update
Kellie Henwood, WSU Regional Small Farms Coordinator
November 24, 2025
Research-based Public Service
The WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program works to strengthen a resilient,
equitable, and economically viable farm and food system across Clallam, Jefferson, and
Kitsap Counties.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONSallie Constant
Farm to Food Pantry
Coordinator
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION2025 FARMER SUPPORTWorkshops | Classes | Events
TOTAL CLASSES DELIVERED: 32
Online/virtual: 15
In-person/Farm Walks: 17
Total Participants: 461
80% farming 10 acres or less
73% farming for 10 years or less
TOPICS
Farmland Succession Planning
Grant writing logistics
Farmstand
Soil Health
Crop Insurance
Farm Human Resources
Financial Planning
Small Livestock
Allium IPM
Cucumber Beetles
Sweetpotato Varietal Trials
Agritourism
USDA NRCS Programs
Sheering and Fleece Prep
Collaborative Farming
Composting
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONEquitable Land
Access Guidebook
•What the Guide Provides
•A step -by-step process for equitable, values -based farmer selection
•Sample RFPs, scoring tools, and affordability covenant templates
•Lessons learned from real BPS transfers in Jefferson County
•Strategies to embed equity, stewardship, and long-term viability into every stage
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONJefferson Comprehensive Plan - Climate Element
Climate Action Committee and Food Resiliency Working Group
ACTION →Implement Comp Plan Climate Element:
•Goal CE -G-10: Support sustainable local and regional food system
practices, infrastructure, and policy that improve Jefferson County’s
resilience to climate change impacts.
•P-10.6 Consider a countywide food system security and resilience action
plan, that prioritizes sustainable agriculture and food systems practices
and helps farmers preserve food for year-round access and use, while
serving vulnerable populations.
Jefferson CountyFood System Resiliency Plan
Project Proposal &
Timeline
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONFraming the Need
Why We Need A Food Resilience Plan
●Geographic isolation and transportation bottlenecks
●Increasing climate-related disasters (wildfires, drought, pandemics, coastal impacts)
●Local food insecurity risks in Jefferson County
●Food systems = critical infrastructure (like water, power, health)
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION1) Ensure a resilient food system that
withstands and recovers from disruptions
2) Maintain a sufficient, nutritious, and
accessible food supply for all
3) Equity, collaboration, and climate
adaptation at the center
4) Help decision makers identify levers of
change and decide which ones need to
pulled
Purpose of the Plan
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONDeliverables
• Jefferson County Food
System Resiliency Plan
• Equity-centered, climate-
informed strategies
• Baseline audit and priority
areas
• Policy recommendations
• Roadmap and lessons
learned to share and scale
across region
Baltimore City Emergency Food Response Partners. Source: Baltimore City
Food Policy and Planning Division (2017)
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONFrameworks Used
1) Community & Agriculture
Resilience Audit Tool (CARAT)
2) Johns Hopkins Center for
Livable Futures - Food System
Resilience Planning Guide for
Local Governments
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONScope of Work & Timeline - 9 to 12 months
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION2026 Workplan
●Endorse Jefferson County pilot plan
●Support staff time + county
partnerships
●Help secure funding & resources
●Champion food system resilience as
critical infrastructure
●Explore next steps
“Communities with existing relationships, partnerships and regular channels
of communication are best positioned to adapt when disaster or disruption
strikes.”
– USDA AMS Local & Regional Food Systems Resilience Playbook