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Agriculture has a long and celebrated history here. Both islands can boast fourth-generation farmers, still working land claims that have been in their families since the mid to late 1800s. This age-old tradition is complemented by a new wave of young farmers wanting to live closer to the Earth, resulting in a vibrant agri-culinary industry that provides incredible local food to islanders and well beyond.
Stewards and Stewardship
Farmers continue to be stewards of the land, leading the way in sustainable practices so that future generations may be fed from the same plot. Near Coupeville, the Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship is furthering that mission, giving people and communities the tools to care sustainably for the land. For those who weren’t born farming, it’s not too late to learn. The Organic Farm School in Clinton trains a new generation of green-minded farmers, imparting the many skills necessary to tend the land successfully.
Kristoferson Farm
What does zip lining, team building, lavender and pumpkins have to do with dairy farming? Plenty, as you’ll discover at Camano Island’s Kristoferson Farm!
A Tradition of Small Farms
Though large corporate agri-business is much more the norm today, on Whidbey and Camano Islands, we still maintain a wonderful tradition of small farms. It’s not uncommon for a farmer to also be an artist or a yoga instructor, and many of these small farms offer diverse products and experiences. For example, you might buy tea, soap, or natural sunscreen from Ananda Farm on Camano, just as you may order a wedding bouquet or take a salt-making class at Salty Acres Farms on Penn Cove.
Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative brings together farmers and products from up and down the island. By pulling together, growers can purchase supplies more affordably. The organization hosts a fantastic series of events each year for Whidbey Island Grown Week and Eat Local Month in September. In addition, you can shop for local produce from over 40 suppliers all year round at their online Food Hub, with pickup on Fridays at four island locations.
Some of Camano Island’s oldest structures are at Kristoferson Farm, yet it’s still a working farm and still in the hands of a Kristoferson. This community hub hosts special events and sells local produce and homemade products at its unique farm stand. Also, don’t forget to stop by Island Harvest Farm on Camano, with a huge variety of fresh vegetables available. These farm stands dot each island and have a lot of character and charm. For veggies on Whidbey, try Fox Tail Farm in Freeland or drop by Bell’s Farm in Coupeville for U-pick berries and family-friendly events.
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Home Crafted Beverages
Another farm favorite is the huge variety of libations made right here on the islands. Comforts of Whidbey in Langley is a veteran-owned, family-run winery offering tastings, a wine club, and a large event space boasting views of the vineyard and Puget Sound. There is even a bed and breakfast onsite if you want to experience farm life yourself. Further out of Langley, you’ll find the Whidbey Island Distillery, whose delicious range of berry liqueurs harken back to that agricultural history again, when Greenbank Farm was once the biggest producer of loganberries in the country. Edward Lynne Cellars on Camano is open to the public the first weekend of every month and frequently for special events.
Hard ciders and even mead have found their way to the islands’ locally produced drinks lineup! Driftwood Hard Cider relies on apples from a 100-year-old orchard near Freeland for its tasty line of beverages. Misfit Island Cider now has a tasting room in Langley, with games and DJ nights. Camano Cider prides itself on being high quality and hyper-local; look for it on tap at locations across Camano and beyond. In Freeland is the production facility and tasting room for Hierophant Meadery, made from sustainably sourced honey and offering a wide variety of flavors and styles.