The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (Ag Guild) had a lively and successful Benefit Dinner and Auction on August 24 to raise funds for the Permanent Farmers’ Market.

Pouring rain sent the “garden party” running to a warm, dry, inviting Mullis Center. Nearly $30,000 dollars was raised before they sat down to feast on local bounty.

Thanks go to all who contributed: farmers and food producers, chefs, waiters and gofers, attendees, speakers, musicians, auction item donors and buyers, and, of course, the worthy auctioneers. Together they raised “seed money” to make the guild’s dream of a Permanent Farmers Market a reality, and had a great night at the same time!

The Ag Guild is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the primary purpose to foster sustainable agriculture in San Juan County. Building a Permanent Farmers’ Market on San Juan Island is the Ag Guild’s first project.

A Permanent Farmers’ Market will provide:

• A year-round location for the San Juan Farmers’ Market to thrive.

• The freshest and most nutritious local farm-raised and prepared foods all year.

• Mid-week and winter Farmers’ Markets that can include farmers from all the islands.

• A fun and festive community gathering space.

• Increased opportunities to buy local and reduce our carbon footprint.

The Ag Guild is currently conducting a feasibility study with support from the San Juan County Economic Development Council’s $30,000 Rural Opportunity Fund Grant from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development; and technical assistance from the Northwest Agriculture Business Center.

For more information visit www.sjiagguild.com/ or contact Project Director Lovel Pratt at 378-7172 or lovel@rockisland.com.