New farmers show bravery, importance of farm work

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Just over 2 million of America’s 319 million people are farmers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2012 Agriculture Census. Of those, 6 percent are under 35 years old.

With those statistics, multiple young farmers’ groups, including the Washington branch of the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), are working to “recruit, support and promote,” new farmers in the hope of continuing agriculture in this country, the organization’s website states. The NYFC website also reports that numbers from the 2012 Agricultural Census indicate that most farmers are nearing retirement age, and fewer new farmers are available to fill the spots being left open by the aging population.

On Vashon, a few brave islanders in their 20s have decided to take on the challenges of farming.

“These new farms are coming online and filling the void of farms that are no longer up and running,” Vashon Farmers Market Manager Caleb Johns said. “Farming has a huge preparation curve, and it’s hard coming in to get ready in time and learn that curve.”

Vashon Island Grower’s Association Co-Chair Emily Scott also said that getting into farming and figuring out how to create a profit is tricky and that many young people get into the field and realize “it’s a lot of work.”

These farmers should be applauded for their initiative and willingness to not only take on a project the size of a farm, but their success in doing so. These farmers grew and sold products at the farmers market during their first years as farmers. From building greenhouses and learning all there is to learn about soil, nutrients and fertilizers to understanding the best practices regarding planting, Vashon’s young farmers have done more and learned more than many people their age.

These farmers have also discovered their passion and the enjoyment and fulfillment that can come from being successful. In talking to the young farmers, their love for the craft was apparent, and they spoke of the rewards reaped from their work from a place far beyond their years. While some 30-, 40- and 50-year-olds are still trying to find a job that is truly fulfilling, a 27-year-old islander found his calling early.

With knowledge of the opportunities that Vashon’s farms present, island youth can take cues from these farmers and learn that with an ability to see potential and take risks, no job is out of reach.