This gathering began in 2015 (then called the SEAK Commercial Growers Conference) when farmers and producers in Southeast Alaska decided to come together to learn from one another about producing local food in a challenging growing environment and how to bring these products to market. It was a 2 day event with about 35 participants, hosted by Farragut Farm in Petersburg. 

 

In 2017 the Summit was held at the Chilkat Center in Haines and was hosted by the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition (SAWC). There were over 80 participants representing 13 communities from the region.

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The most recent Summit was held in 2019 at Sitka's Centennial Hall, again hosted by SAWC, and over 120 participants from 19 communities in Southeast Alaska were in attendance. 

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In 2021 Spruce Root agreed to become the official new host organization for the SEAK Farmers Summit.  We are excited to be supported by this conscientious and sustainably-minded regional non-profit organization.

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The 2021 Summit was canceled due to Covid-19 complications. In an effort to maintain connection within the farming community we hosted a Virtual Farm Tour event in February 2022, with 3 regional farmers sharing photos and videos from their operations. You can find those presentations HERE.

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The Southeast Alaska Farmers Summit focuses on bringing farmers together in order to learn from one another and from other industry professionals. The summits offer a mix of formal presentations, farmer roundtable discussions, hands-on workshops, and lots of good food and snacks! Most participants say the most valuable aspect of the gathering is creating lasting connections with other growers in the region.

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The goal of this gathering is to inspire and support commercial agriculture in Southeast Alaska, therefore strengthening food security across the region. Together, we will build a robust local food economy in Southeast Alaska!