The Tomato & Melon Dry Farming Project kicked off at the end of 2025, and we are excitedly preparing for our first year of trials. The project includes partnerships with the Culinary Breeding Network, the Dry Farming Institute, and the International Rescue Committee.
Project Summary:
Increase awareness and provide education about dry farming and its benefits – for the environment, the farmer, and the consumer. Engage, connect, and educate Washington consumers, gardeners, farmers, and culinary professionals through large public events, educational workshops, and social media campaigns. Support current and recruit new dry farmers in creating a market for dry-farmed products and seed.
Project Objectives:
- Educate growers on the fundamentals of dry-farming and tomato and melon seed production during winter meetings and seminars with the Dry Farming Institute and Organic Seed Alliance.
- Conduct on-farm trials of various melon and tomato crop varieties to evaluate performance under dry-farmed conditions and potential for seed production.
- Increase consumer interest, appreciation, and understanding for dry-farmed produce and seed through educational and culinary activities, including the Sagra del Radicchio, a Tomato + Melon Festival, and a social media marketing campaign.
This project is funded by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program- Farm Bill is authorized by section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) of Public Law 108-465; amended under section 10107 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-343, and implemented under 7 CFR part 1291 (published March 27, 2009; 74 FR 13313).
