Carnation Farms

Mission

Carnation Farms is a working organic farm that grows future farmers, culinary professionals, and a resilient food system through stewardship and impactful programming. Inspired by our property's history of innovation, we offer an integrated approach that focuses on the connectivity between farming, the culinary arts, and opportunities for regional economic development. Our work champions a stronger community and agricultural network to ensure a sustainable future.

Description

At Carnation Farms we are increasing access to our region's organic food; we're growing new farmers and new culinary professionals and we're building opportunities for regional economic development. You're invited to join us in Growing Today, Preserving Tomorrow.

Last year's donors supported Carnation Farms' Mentorship in Sustainable Agriculture program that trains new farmers and equips them with the knowledge and skills they need. This meant more farmers' hands in the soil, planting and harvesting thousands of pounds of produce in 2020.

Thanks to them, and donors like you, we were able to provide a vital source of food to our community during the pandemic.
In 2020, Carnation Farms...
-- Offered organic produce, eggs, and meats for sale in an open-air setting at our Farmstand
-- Provided fresh vegetables to Sno-Valley Food Bank in Carnation
-- Distributed CSA boxes full of veggies from our farm to over 50 families each week
-- Responded to our community's need for healthful, hot, prepared meals with our weekly covid-safe Drive-Thru Dinner events.

Our crew of farmers-in-training and donors like you make a huge impact in the sustainable production of healthful, organic food for the community! Thank you!

And this year, we are asking for you to join us in launching a chefs-in-training program...
It will follow the same model as our Mentorship in Sustainable Agriculture. This new program will provide culinary skills education, hands-on experience in hospitality and service, connection to the farm, and inspiration to the next generation of culinary professionals. Our intent is that they will come alongside our farmers-in-training as agents of change in improving the food system. Together, we will continue to strengthen the agricultural network in Snoqualmie Valley and beyond in order to ensure a sustainable future.

The details,...
These full-time training programs take place on Carnation Farms' historic 818-acre property in Carnation, Washington, located in rural Snoqualmie Valley, roughly a half-hour east of Seattle. Participants do not pay for their education and training. Instead, the Mentorships provide a stipend ($1,000 every two weeks) and on-farm housing. Carnation Farms funds the Mentorship programs primarily through donations from people like you, sales of our farm products, and proceeds from events that take place on our farm such as Drive-Thru Dinners, the Spring Plant Sale, and HarvestFest.

And, for all you forward-thinkers...
Your donations will support us as we continue to build upon the innovative agricultural network and economic development resources we offer to farmers and food producers in the region. These resources currently include a poultry processing service, utilization of regional produce and meats at our farm-to-table culinary events, showcasing regional food and farm products in our Farmstand, and Snoqualmie Valley farm equipment sharing. Stay tuned for more innovations with value-added food production coming in 2022.

Thank you for your GiveBIG donation! Together we will help build a stronger community and agricultural network today, to ensure a sustainable future for tomorrow.

Carnation Farms -- Grow Today, Preserve Tomorrow

Recognition

Early giving was kickstarted thanks to a generous $500 challenge grant from Elysian Brewing in Seattle. And, during early giving, you met the $500 challenge! Thanks to Elysian and to all our donors so far who have led the way with your generosity!!

Since opening up their doors in '96 Elysian Brewing is known for both their classic and innovative beers. Elysian's brewers are known to use a variety of unusual ingredients that wouldn't be possible without the help of their local community. Over the years Elysian has partnered with local farmers and non-profits to help give back to a community of innovators. GiveBIG THANK YOU to Elysian Brewing for supporting Carnation Farms!

AND NOW... an anonymous donor has added a $1000 challenge grant for the remainder of GiveBIG! This means that all donors on May 4th and 5th will have their donations doubled (up to $1000) thanks to this challenge grant. Join in our community of givers and help us launch a new farm-to-table culinary training program!