As an island, we face unique challenges in ensuring food security. As an island community, we have unique opportunities too. Natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and environmental pressures on the soil, the water, the seasons, the critters, and what comes from the sky are squeezing the industrialized agriculture model. But our small Whidbey Island community can learn and collaborate; together, we can create a stronger and more diversified local food system that will minimize the effect of external shocks, support the life systems around us, and fortify our capacity to feed ourselves.
Jake Stewart of Sweetwater Farm will lead us in conversation about the critical role of regenerative agriculture, diversified small farms, and sustainable technologies in building a resilient food system on Whidbey Island. We can reduce reliance on imported food...mitigate the effects of natural disasters ... adapt to climate change ... support the local economy ... innovate, and empower the small.
Join Whidbey Climate ACTION on November 7 for this free event, and take part in practical and uplifting conversations about creating more sustainable and abundant food security and resilience on Whidbey.
Jake Stewart has over 20 years experience in localized sustainable systems, including renewable energy, climate adaptation, conservation and sustainable food security. Before “migrating” to Whidbey, a decentralized renewable energy/low carbon model project Jake developed was awarded the EPA Project of the Year. He remains actively involved in federal policy development for integrated sustainable systems, low carbon technologies and climate change adaptation strategies. He has received international recognition for his work on localized sustainable energy and agriculture systems in Eastern Africa, Europe and Central America. He holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University in Bioenvironmental Science, and a Masters of Science with a research focus on integrated municipal sustainability. Jake is currently focused on climate adaptation and sustainable farmstead integration/ education. He and his wife Aja own a 24-acre Regenerative Agroforestry Farm on Whidbey Island where they are building an integrated family farmstead deploying regenerative agriculture innovation, sustainable food forest development and hands-on educational workshops.