A note from the farm manager
Growing Veterans Lynden Farm 2021 Report
Over the past year Growing Veterans Lynden Farm (GV Lynden) has accomplished a number of goals that often exceeded our expected results. We have successfully trained and facilitated 7 WDVA Work-study and Veteran Conservation Corp (VCC) interns, who are either furthering their higher education or pursuing careers in agriculture. We were able to raise over $1500 from sales made at our annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Over 20 food donations were made to the Bellingham Food Bank that consisted of all organic produce. Combined with Growing Veterans Whidbey, we were able to grow over 3.75 tons of organic produce. GV Lynden hosted four monthly Volunteer Orientation sessions to train and introduce new volunteers to the standard operating procedures of the farm. GV Lynden also hosted twelve community-based group volunteer days, with volunteer groups ranging from local high school classes to businesses located in Whatcom County.
A peek into 2022
One of the biggest goals GV Lynden has for 2022 is to continue on the momentous path we are on and continue to raise the bar of possibilities. We plan on incorporating different types of organic produce and two new varieties of organic hops into our farm plan, as well as expand both our produce and hop fields to increase crop yields. We will be reinstituting a partnership with the Environmental Science department of Whatcom Community College, where students perform various tests that will give us reports on the state of our soil composition and health. WDVA and VCC internships will continue to be available to local veterans interested in learning about farming. We will also begin to donate our organic produce to other food banks in the Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties.
