You may be aware that I work as as post-doctoral research associate part-time at the University of Washington. I've had this job for the last four years, and I've mostly been focused on research related to forestry applications. You may have also noticed my propensity to share information and musings about the economic viability of the farm--something I do to inform our customers, but also to help inform other farmers and folks thinking about starting a farm. Unlike the often painful and slow process of publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals (something I have to do for my University job), I really enjoy post information on my blog and getting immediate feedback. It helps me to learn and I hope it helps others to learn as well.
Thus, it seems like a natural evolution to attempt to combine the more formal research I do as a professional with the biggest passion in my life: food and farming. The combination is the Institute for Thoughtful Food (the name for now--but it may change!). The goal of the institute is to address questions and challenges facing small to medium scale farmers in the Puget Sound region. I feel this narrow focus keeps me engaged in the area that I care the most about.
We already have a small project that we'll be working on this fall and winter that was funded by the Human Links Foundation (information on the Institute page). I'm working on two larger grants as well: a SARE Grant focused on assessing the transportation costs saved if more farmers use the Puget Sound Food Hub and a grant through the King County Conservation District to assess the current state and potential capacity of meat production in King County.
This idea is still in its infancy, but we're optimistic it could become an important part of our business in time. As anyone who's ever tried to farm knows, you need to keep an open mind and constantly search for new opportunities to make the farm an economic success.
Thus, it seems like a natural evolution to attempt to combine the more formal research I do as a professional with the biggest passion in my life: food and farming. The combination is the Institute for Thoughtful Food (the name for now--but it may change!). The goal of the institute is to address questions and challenges facing small to medium scale farmers in the Puget Sound region. I feel this narrow focus keeps me engaged in the area that I care the most about.
We already have a small project that we'll be working on this fall and winter that was funded by the Human Links Foundation (information on the Institute page). I'm working on two larger grants as well: a SARE Grant focused on assessing the transportation costs saved if more farmers use the Puget Sound Food Hub and a grant through the King County Conservation District to assess the current state and potential capacity of meat production in King County.
This idea is still in its infancy, but we're optimistic it could become an important part of our business in time. As anyone who's ever tried to farm knows, you need to keep an open mind and constantly search for new opportunities to make the farm an economic success.
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