Coastal Farmer Retreat

This retreat is all about connecting with other people who understand what you do. It’s an event is by farmers, for farmers. It’s a chance to meet with your fellow coastal growers and ranchers to talk about what YOU want to talk about.

Registration deadline is January 19th, 2026.

The participants: The retreat is for commercial growers, farm workers, and folks actively working towards developing a commercial farm. The focus will be on farm businesses selling products direct-to-consumer. Please note that this retreat is open to farmers only and is not open to farm service providers.

The content: The day, facilitated by Carolina Lysse, will feature structured and spontaneous discussion, troubleshooting and problem solving, creativity, and moral support. You won't have to sit inside all day if you don't want to, with built-in free time and a beautiful setting to explore.

The food: Returning attendees will remember the amazing food, skillfully prepared with as many local products as possible. The cost of attendance includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We will be happy to purchase some from you: let us know if you have something to share!

Tentative Schedule:

• 9 - 9:30 am: Welcome Gathering
  • Breakfast, coffee, and tea will be provided. Please come socialize a bit before the retreat begins, including seed/equipment/book swap set up.
• 9:30 - 11 am: Introduction & Topics Review
  • Introduce yourself and your farm and share your a-ha and uh-oh
    moments from 2024. Then we’ll review the submitted topics, add any
    new ones, and agree what to focus on. If there’s time, we’ll dig into one
    of the topics now.
• 11 - 11:15 am: Morning Break
  • Snacks and beverages will be available. Get up and wander; shake your body around; and swap some seeds, books, or equipment.
• 11:15 am - 12:30 pm: Group Discussion
• 12:30 - 2:30 pm: Lunch and Walk Break
  • If the weather is good, you can take a walk on one of the property’s many beautiful trails. This is also a good time for smaller informal chats.
• 2:30 - 3:30 pm: More Group Discussion
  • This could also include time to break into smaller groups for more focused discussions related to our specific farming operations.
• 3:30 - 3:45 pm: Afternoon Break
• 3:45 - 4:30 pm: Last Topic Discussions
• 4:30 - 5 pm: Dessert & Informal Hang Out
  • You’re welcome to stay and chat as late as 5:30 pm.