North Olympic Land Trust has chosen to award the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market and Port Angeles Farmers Market with the 2025 Farmer of the Year award. This award honors organizations or individuals that have made a significant impact on farmland, farm culture, and the resulting food supply. Farmers markets are often an overlooked staple in their communities. However, it’s difficult to imagine a robust farming culture without one. The farmers markets of Clallam County are no exception when it comes to diverse local farm vendors, helpful and kind humans, and an array of food access programs for the community.
Clallam County residents may have a difficult time each summer deciding which Saturday farmers market to visit between Sequim and Port Angeles. Some residents have been known to frequent both because of the diversity in vendors and farmers, with both markets featuring nearly two dozen local farmers. Many of these farmers are well known in our region, while others are just starting out and bringing new life into Clallam’s long heritage of agriculture. “One of the most important things for any farmer is to have access to customers and a place to sell their harvest. For years, the Sequim and Port Angeles markets have been such a reliable place for my family to get fresh, super local meats and produce right from the farmer. Plus, it’s always a fun outing and a place to run into friends!” explains Tom Sanford, Executive Director of North Olympic Land Trust.
The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market, now in its 30th season, is a seasonal market with a focus on creating community and a place of belonging. “There’s something deeply beautiful about looking at your plate and knowing who grew the food you’re about to eat. Farmers markets help make that happen by providing a space where people can access fresh, nutritious food while growing meaningful relationships with local farmers,” shares Layla Forêt, Director of the Sequim Market. “Supporting local farms is essential for the well-being of communities,” adds Layla, “and we are so fortunate to live in a region full of talented farmers who truly care for the lands they tend and the people they nourish (…) and our organization is committed to working with them in a way that helps their businesses flourish.”
Approaching its 25th anniversary, the Port Angeles Farmers Market (PAFM) is a year-round market for Clallam County. Many farmers are able to expand their selling season or switch to featuring other handmade goods through a long winter. In addition to providing farmers a place to connect with their customers, both the Sequim Market and PAFM are helping to increase the fruit and vegetable spending power of food stamp cardholders and their families. PAFM also created a program called Protein Match, which allows these cardholders to gain even more spending power towards fresh meat and poultry, eggs, dairy, and seafood. “At the heart of this work is our commitment to food access and supporting our local farms,” explains Caleb Taft, PAFM’s Board President. “A strong local foodshed helps build regional resiliency and increases access for all. And all shoppers benefit at the market when delicious, locally grown produce and proteins are available!”
The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market and the Port Angeles Farmers Market will be awarded the 2025 Farmer of the Year award in person during North Olympic Land Trust’s upcoming 23rd Annual Harvest Celebration on November 1st at Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles, WA. You can purchase limited tickets from the Land Trust’s website at: https://northolympiclandtrust.org/event/2025harvest/.