Recognizing early champions in environmental justice

In honor of Black History Month, it is important to acknowledge that in the United States, communities of color are the most impacted by environmental racism. It is important to highlight significant contributions of Black leaders such as Dr. Robert Bullard and Dr. Dorceta Taylor in the struggle for environmental justice. Continue readingRecognizing early champions in environmental justice

Chris Homanics: Using plant breeding and preservation to increase access to plant variants 

Plant propagation is a cost-effective way to increase the number of plants in your home. It also allows growers to create new varieties of plants with unique characteristics resistant to disease. All together plant propagations support the continuation of particular plant species and ensures access to your favorite plants.  

Chris Homanics, a local plant breeder that grows in the Snoqualmie Valley, recently sat down with the Local Food Initiative team to discuss the importance and impact of plant breeding and preservation.Continue readingChris Homanics: Using plant breeding and preservation to increase access to plant variants 

Food sovereignty symposium: Bringing experts together to rebuild native food systems in Washington state and beyond

The Food Sovereignty symposium was held in June 2022 in a collaboration between Feed Seven Generations, a non-profit organization that works in tribal communities to build food sovereignty through education, advocacy, and hosting community events; and Tahoma Peaks Solutions, an organization that empowers native communities through storytelling and building food sovereigntyContinue readingFood sovereignty symposium: Bringing experts together to rebuild native food systems in Washington state and beyond

Hmong Association of Washington seeks to support farmers with development of new cooperative

Vibrant flower bouquets are one of the beloved farmer’s market items in King County, but in March 2020 as farmer’s markets temporarily closed due to the emerging coronavirus pandemic and the statewide “Stay Home Stay Healthy” order, flower growers across the region had no place to sell their bouquets.  

According to the Washington Hmong Farmers Cooperative, about 80% of the flower stands at Pike Place Market and other farmer’s markets throughout the region are owned by Hmong farmers.Continue readingHmong Association of Washington seeks to support farmers with development of new cooperative