Ray and Becky DeVries of Ralph’s Greenhouse named Farmer of the Year

Ray and Becky De Vries honored with the Farmer of the Year Award (top), and Diane Dempster presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Anne Schwartz (above). The Tilth Producers board reviews the nominations and makes their annual selection by consensus. PHOTOS BY MARK MUSICK

WA – Three Skagit farmers received honors at the Tilth Producers 40th annual conference held Nov. 5-7 in Vancouver.

Ray and Becky De Vries of Ralph’s Greenhouse, were named Farmer of the Year. The De Vries have been farming organically for over 30 years. They started with less than an acre of leeks and have gr

own to convert many chemically-farmed acres to organic, raising a large variety of produce. The farm is named for his late father Ralph, a former dairyman.

Tilth Producers said they were chosen because they have helped and mentored farms and farmers over the years, and have taught classes for beginning farmers on everything from greenhouse construction, to labor management, to food safety.

Tilth Producers also presented Anne Schwartz of Blue Heron Farm near Rockport with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Stay tuned for more in our next issue.