Half a century ago, a pioneering cadre of activists in Washington embarked on a mission that would reshape the landscape of Western agriculture, dining habits, and waste management. Rooted in a commitment to organic farming and sustainability, this collective evolved into Seattle Tilth, later known as Tilth Alliance, marking its golden jubilee this year. Across five decades, Tilth Alliance has left an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape. It has been instrumental in shaping organic farming standards for both state and federal agricultural bodies. Notably, Tilth Alliance played a pivotal role in establishing Washington State University's inaugural organic farming degree program. Moreover, the organization catalyzed the rise of the farm-to-table movement, igniting Seattle's passion for home composting and prompting municipal initiatives for food and yard waste collection.
By nurturing and enlightening a new generation of eco-conscious farmers and citizens, Tilth Alliance seeks to overhaul today's food system amid the challenges of climate change and systemic disparities. Hosting an array of conferences, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year, including signature events like the May Edible Plant Sale, Tilth Alliance remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability. As the world commemorated Earth Day on April 22nd, we delved into the rich tapestry of Tilth Alliance's 50-year legacy.
The genesis of Seattle Tilth can be traced back to a transformative moment—a fervent address by Kentucky farmer Wendell Berry at Gonzaga University in July 1974. Berry's impassioned plea against the encroachment of industrial farming on small-scale agriculture galvanized Mark Musick, Gigi Coe, and Woody and Becky Deryckx into action. Berry's call for a unified front in sustainable food practices spurred the organization of the Northwest Conference on Alternative Agriculture in Ellensburg that November—a gathering that drew nearly 800 fervent farm and food activists from across the West Coast. "In 90 days, we put on a conference with nearly 800 farm and food activists from all over the West Coast, and the energy level, the mood was totally explosive," recalls Musick, a stalwart in the realm of food activism, who continues to serve as a board member and archivist for Tilth Alliance.
This tradition of impassioned advocacy and collective action will find resonance in Tilth Alliance's upcoming three-day 50th anniversary conference and trade show in Vancouver, Washington, from November 14th to 16th.
The roots of Tilth Alliance extend deep into the soil of community empowerment and environmental stewardship, branching out from humble beginnings to become a beacon of sustainable living across the Pacific Northwest. The journey began with the creation of a community garden blueprint for Meridian Park’s Good Shepherd Center in Seattle, establishing Tilth's headquarters in 1978. As Tilth burgeoned, chapters sprouted in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho, uniting under the Tilth Association banner. However, this collective dissolved in 1984, prompting chapters to chart their own course.
Seattle Tilth weathered the years, evolving through mergers with Cascade Harvest Coalition and Tilth Producers to metamorphose into Tilth Alliance in 2016. At the helm of this transformation was Carl Woestwin, Seattle Tilth's inaugural staff member and the visionary behind the SPU-Tilth Master Composter education initiative in 1986—a pioneering program that set the standard for composting education nationwide. Empowered by Tilth Alliance's ethos, participants not only learn about composting and sustainability but also disseminate their knowledge within schools and farmers' markets.
Woestwin reflects on Tilth Alliance's profound impact on Seattle, where urban farming, chicken coops, and worm bins thrive in city yards, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. The organization's advocacy played a pivotal role in the inception of Seattle's curbside compost collection program, underscoring its instrumental role in shaping municipal sustainability efforts.
Today, Tilth Alliance continues to cultivate a verdant landscape of education and outreach initiatives, ranging from the Master Composter and Sustainability Steward program to culturally relevant food initiatives for older adults. Programs like the Natural Yard Care Program and Garden Hotline empower individuals to adopt Earth-friendly gardening practices, while Farm Walks provide a platform for farmers to exchange insights on organic agriculture best practices.
Marcia Ostrom, WSU professor of sustainable food and farming systems, underscores Tilth Alliance's pivotal role in fostering agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. As director of WSU's Food Systems Program, Ostrom lauds Tilth's advocacy prowess and underscores the importance of sharing knowledge and infrastructure to nurture the next generation of organic farmers.
In Tilth Alliance's tireless efforts to cultivate a sustainable future, its roots intertwine with the aspirations of communities across the region, nurturing a legacy of environmental stewardship and holistic well-being.
The momentum of the Tilth Alliance movement continues to surge forward, fueled by a steadfast commitment to sustainable living and community empowerment. With 42 dedicated full-time employees, Tilth Alliance has experienced exponential growth, with revenue soaring by 30% from 2018 to 2022, reaching an impressive $4.73 million two years ago. This remarkable expansion mirrors the thriving organic farming landscape in Washington, which burgeoned from a mere handful of certified organic farms in 1974 to a staggering 949 by 2021, a transformation significantly influenced by Tilth's tireless advocacy and educational efforts.
At the heart of Tilth Alliance's impact lies its grassroots approach, empowering individuals to embrace environmentally conscious practices in their homes, businesses, and communities. From teaching gardening and farming skills to fostering sustainable decision-making, Tilth's ripple effect reverberates from neighbor to neighbor and farmer to farmer, catalyzing positive change on a local and regional scale.
The transformative journey with Tilth Alliance has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of countless individuals like Hannah Alhajahja, whose participation in the Soil and Water Stewards program propelled her advocacy for land access for marginalized farmers through the 2023 Farm Bill. Today, she finds fulfillment in grassroots activism within her community, championing accessible and low-impact solutions to combat climate change while enhancing quality of life.
Tilth Alliance's youth programs are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, as demonstrated by Lexy Timmermans' involvement with the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands. Through hands-on experiences like growing plants and attending cooking classes, youth participants discover the transformative power of gardening as a pathway to self-sufficiency and liberation.
Generosity blooms abundantly within the Tilth community, exemplified by individuals like Jon Lourenco-Vlaskamp and his husband, Wallace, who utilize their Master Composter training to lead composting efforts at the UpGarden P-patch atop a Seattle Center parking garage. Their dedication not only yields hundreds of pounds of food annually for food banks but also fosters a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
As Tilth Alliance continues to sow the seeds of sustainability and community resilience, its impact resonates far beyond the confines of individual initiatives, cultivating a legacy of empowerment, enrichment, and collective action.
For many devoted followers of Tilth Alliance, the organization has been more than a mere entity—it's been a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. Sarah Cassidy reminisces about her tenure as a garden coordinator for Tilth Alliance in the late '90s, a time when the organization was navigating its path with a rugged DIY ethos. Fast forward to the present day, and Cassidy finds herself co-managing The Grange farm and restaurant in Duvall, propelled by Tilth-sponsored grants that have facilitated the realization of sustainable farm-to-table practices, from a supersized worm bin to elk fencing. The farm-to-table movement itself owes a debt of gratitude to Tilth, Cassidy notes, acknowledging the organization's pivotal role in reconnecting people with the natural world. "There's a dearth of humans who interact with soil today," she reflects. "Tilth does that essential work of reintroducing humans to that relationship with the soil.
While concepts like "organic" and "sustainable" have transitioned from the fringes to the mainstream since the inception of Seattle Tilth, new challenges loom on the horizon, observes Tilth Alliance Executive Director Melissa Spear. Chief among these challenges is the imperative to bolster resilience in the face of climate change, recognizing the critical role of agricultural practices in mitigating its impact. Spear underscores the organization's commitment to tackling these challenges head-on, advocating for solutions that encompass reducing food waste—a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions—and promoting carbon sequestering methods such as rain gardens, soil enrichment, and composting.
Within the fabric of Tilth Alliance, equity and inclusion stand as foundational pillars. Spear acknowledges the historical inequities within agriculture, citing the landmark Pigford v. Glickman lawsuit as a sobering reminder of the systemic injustices faced by Black farmers. Tilth Alliance, she affirms, is actively engaged in dismantling these structures of oppression, diversifying its staff and prioritizing racial equity through concerted efforts and collaboration with external consultants. "It's a challenging journey," Spear acknowledges, "but one to which we are wholly committed.
Mark Musick, reflecting on Tilth Alliance's enduring legacy, sees the organization's mission as a fulfillment of Wendell Berry's call to reimagine agriculture for a more sustainable future. "To my mind," Musick reflects, "that is what we at Tilth have been doing for 50 years"—nurturing a community of stewards dedicated to cultivating a better, more harmonious relationship with the land.
Through its profound cultural impact, innovative agricultural practices, and unwavering commitment to sustainability and equity, Tilth Alliance continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, blazing a trail towards a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come.
Join us for the May Edible Plant Sale on May 4-5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Meridian Playground, located at 4920 Meridian Ave. N. in Seattle. Visit tilthalliance.org to reserve your timed entry slot and explore a wide selection of flower and vegetable starts, along with native plants to enhance your garden.
Save the date for "Cultivate & Celebrate: 50 Years of Tilth" on July 28th at Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands, situated at 5513 S. Cloverdale St. in Seattle. Indulge in an evening of culinary delights with a reception, tasting menu, and auction. Visit tilthalliance.org for ticket details ranging from $115 to $135.
Mark your calendars for "T50: Rooted in History, Cultivating the Future" from November 14th to 16th in Vancouver, Washington. Stay tuned for registration details at tilthalliance.org as we commemorate our rich heritage and chart a course for the future of sustainable agriculture.
Have gardening questions? Contact the Garden Hotline experts at 206-633-0224 or email them at gardenhotline.org/question for personalized guidance and advice.
Don't miss out on these exciting events and opportunities to connect with Tilth Alliance as we continue to cultivate a greener, more sustainable future together.
As we embark on this journey of cultivation and celebration, let us reflect on the profound impact of Tilth Alliance over the past 50 years. From humble beginnings to a beacon of sustainable agriculture, Tilth has empowered communities, nurtured stewardship of the land, and championed equity and inclusion in our food systems. As we look ahead to the future, let us remain rooted in our history while embracing innovation and resilience. Together, let us cultivate a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come. Join us in cultivating and celebrating the legacy of Tilth Alliance as we continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.