What is Vashon Potato Project?

Vashon Potato Project is an effort to promote staple crop growing at a small scale. The primary goal is to establish potato seed production on Vashon, but we will also be working with other crops that work well in rotation with potato. The first season of growing is taking place on land at Matsuda Farm in 2023. Vashon Potato Project is primarily an educational endeavor and will share what we learn on methods used, varieties tried, planting dates, harvest and storage techniques, etc. We also hope to offer seed potatoes in the future.

What are our principles?

The practice of agriculture requires near constant problem solving. In a world that is quickly changing, these principles that inform our decisions have been chosen for their history of use in times of less available energy and resources.

• Use of low tech methods that are understandable, affordable, and ecologically sound.
• Growing regionally appropriate foods.
• Using locally adapted seeds and plants.
• Utilizing natural cycles and local sources of fertility.
• Reducing reliance on supplemental irrigation for staple crops.
• Reducing reliance on fossil fuels, plastics, and other products or byproducts of industry.