Hundreds of Farmers Expected in Everett Thursday

Now in its 10th year, the annual Focus on Farming Conference will bring farmers from all over Puget Sound to Everett this Thursday. Here are some highlights provided by Snohomish County…

This year’s event includes all locally grown food and a big trade show. Click the banner above to register.

Spend an outstanding day of learning, networking and enjoying farm fresh local products prepared by regional gourmet chefs. Learn about innovative ideas from local and national farmers. See how new and upcoming farmers are shaping the future of the agricultural world and providing tomorrow’s food.

You will find 24 great workshop classes with six industry tracks presented by some of the top experts in the country.

The 10th annual Focus on Farming Conference features keynote speaker Will Allen, an urban farmer who is transforming the cultivation, production and delivery of healthy foods to under-served urban populations (founder of “Growing Power”). Come listen to Rod Brooks, creator of the Pemco “We’re a Lot Like You, a Little Different,” ad campaign.

The annual conference features workshop opportunities, farm-fresh local food, a 17,000-square-foot tradeshow and respected speakers. This year’s keynote speaker is Will Allen, former basketball star and founder of Growing Power, a Milwaukee, Wis., based urban farming project.

“Farms and farming have been an important part of Snohomish County, and we want to make sure it remains relevant into the future,” said Snohomish County Executive John Lovick. “The Focus on Farming conference is a great way to bring together some of the brightest minds in agriculture to help educate our community and find new, innovative ways to keep farms successful.”

The Focus on Farming conference is one of many outreach efforts Snohomish County makes to promote and support the local agricultural industry. The county provides technical support and resources to local farmers and agricultural businesses, and participates in the Snohomish County Growers Alliance, a nonprofit group dedicated to advancing economic growth among local farmers.

For more information about the Focus on Farming conference and agriculture in Snohomish County, contact Linda Neunzig at 425-388-7170 or linda.neunzig@snoco.org. Registration and program information is available online at www.focusonfarming.org.