Submitted by Agricultural Resource Committee

The Agricultural Resource Committee of San Juan County is hosting the 2020 farmer/rancher listening session in January. They invite folks in the agricultural community to share questions, concerns and ideas related to the economic viability; the local regulatory environment; need for research; desire for educational opportunities; and how we can work together to ensure a robust farming future in our islands.

This year the ARC will be joined by the following organizations who work to support agriculture in the county: Washington State University extension; San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild; San Juan Islands Conservation District; San Juan Islands Land Bank; and San Juan County Office of Community Development.

Each 1.5-hour listening session will consist of updates from the above organizations, a facilitated discussion and an opportunity for written feedback.

The schedule is as follows:

• Lopez Island: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8:30-10 a.m. at the Lopez Grange, 452 Richardson Road.

• Orcas Island: Thursday, Jan. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall, 45 Lavender Lane.

• San Juan Island: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8-9:30 a.m. at the San Juan Island Grange, 152 First St., N.