A LEGISLATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE SKAGIT VALLEY

This week, over 50 attendees, including legislators, policymakers, and agricultural leaders, gathered in the Skagit Valley for the Savor the Land: Where Policy Meets the Plate tour. This two-day event offered a unique opportunity to connect food policy with the people and practices that sustain Washington’s land, water, and communities.

Day One: Welcome Reception

The tour began at Christianson’s School House in Mount Vernon, where guests explored beautifully restored glasshouses and learned about the family’s commitment to pollinator habitats and wildlife-friendly gardening. A farm-to-table dinner prepared by The Skagit Table showcased ingredients from local farms, setting the stage for discussions on sustainability and community.  Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison delivered the keynote, emphasizing the importance of connecting policy with the state’s diverse agricultural industries.

Day Two: Farm, Food & Water Connections

The second day highlighted the diversity of Skagit agriculture and aquaculture:

• Boldly Grown Farm demonstrated how organic practices and winter crops strengthen year-round food access and food security.
• Cairnspring Mills showed how regenerative agriculture and stone-milled flour bring value back to local wheat growers.
• At Taylor Shellfish Farms, attendees learned about the global significance of Washington’s shellfish industry and its reliance on clean water and responsible stewardship.
• A visit to the Joe Leary Slough Tidegate illustrated the balance between salmon recovery, farmland protection, and flood control.
• Thulen Farms, a multi-generational potato farm, highlighted modern sustainability practices paired with a legacy of stewardship since 1881.
• The tour concluded at the Fir Island Farm Estuary Restoration Project, where collaboration between farmers, tribes, conservationists, and agencies showcased successful salmon recovery alongside productive farmland.

Throughout the journey, participants witnessed firsthand the innovative practices and collaborative spirit that make Washington agriculture a leader in sustainability and resilience. From potatoes and wheat to shellfish and restoration projects, the tour reinforced how thoughtful policy can help protect natural resources while supporting local economies and food security.

This program was proudly sponsored and organized by the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Skagit Drainage and Irrigation Districts Consortium LLC, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the Washington State Potato Commission.