Tilth annual meeting focuses on small-scale farms, board elections

Tilth convened its annual membership meeting Saturday at South Whidbey Fire/EMS in Langley, drawing members and interested residents for a midday potluck, governance business and a program on community-centered farming. The meeting ran from 12:30 p.m. to about 2:30 p.m., with a potluck from 12:45 to 1:15 and an introduction of the council of trustees and reports following. Attendees were encouraged to check in for name tags and renew lapsed 2025 memberships onsite.

The featured presentation came from Hannah Andersen, education and outreach coordinator for the Whidbey Island Conservation District. Andersen presented "Start Small, Grow Tall - Building small-scale farms that support the community around them and the land they operate on," framing small-scale farming as both a conservation and community resilience strategy. The speaker was introduced around 1:45 p.m.

Elections were on the agenda and reflected a mix of continuity and an open seat that members will need to fill. Candidates scheduled for two-year terms included Gary Ingram for president, Anza Muenchow for vice president and Emma Anastasi for secretary. The education committee chair remains an open two-year seat, while Lance Porter was listed for a one-year Land Steward term. Treasurer Sharon Asplund and Market Committee chair Janet Richards were noted as continuing officers. Members heard these nominations and reports from committees as part of the organization's governing process.

For a local nonprofit rooted in agriculture, board composition and committee leadership have direct policy implications for how land access, stewardship and farmers markets are managed in Island County. The open education committee chair slot is especially consequential for outreach, training and programs that connect growers with conservation resources. Continued leadership in the treasurer and market roles signals stability for Tilth's market operations, which are an important conduit between local producers and consumers.

Practical matters at the meeting reinforced community norms: the potluck and program were free and open to the public, hot tea and coffee and cold drinks were provided, and attendees were asked to bring their own dishes and a potluck item. Questions were directed to Membership chair Prescott, and members could call or text 360-682-8642.

The takeaway? Active participation matters, showing up for a potluck isn't just about food, it's a way to influence who stewards shared land and markets. Our two cents? If you care about local farms and farmland access, consider renewing your membership, volunteering for a committee, or running for that open education chair so the community's priorities stay rooted in local hands.