In the heart of North Idaho, a vibrant community of farmers, ranchers, restaurateurs, and residents is coming together to celebrate and strengthen the region's local food ecosystem. From the rolling hills of Boundary County to the banks of the Kootenay River, these passionate individuals are working tirelessly to revive the infrastructure and connections that once sustained a thriving local food system.

Empowering the Next Generation of Food Producers

Passing the Torch: Generational Farming in North Idaho

For generations, families have tended the land in North Idaho, cultivating crops and raising livestock to nourish their communities. One such family is the Dillins, whose roots in Boundary County stretch back a century. Julie Dillin, a fifth-generation grower, has taken on the mantle of her family's legacy, embarking on a new venture that combines her passion for farming with her desire to educate and inspire.After retiring from a 35-year career as an educator, Dillin found herself drawn back to the land. Determined to stay on the farm and share her knowledge, she and her husband, Tim, purchased a mill in Lewiston and transported it to their Kootenay River Valley property. Now, they produce and sell stone-milled flour from the grains grown on their land, all while welcoming local students and residents for educational field trips."To me, that's the most important thing — educating people about farming and seeing where everything comes from and how it's done," Dillin said, underscoring the vital role that small-scale agriculture plays in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the origins of our food.

Cultivating the Next Generation: Passing on the Farming Tradition

Across North Idaho, farmers like Toni Carey of Four Seasons Farm in Priest River are also working to instill the values of hard work and sustainability in the next generation. Carey, who began farming 10 acres in 2000, has not only provided animal products and produce to countless community members through local farmers markets, but has also made it a priority to teach her children and grandchildren the ins and outs of farm life."I taught all my kids how to do stuff, and now I'm teaching grandkids," Dillin said. "We're just working on the next generation here."This intergenerational approach to farming is not only a means of preserving a way of life, but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of North Idaho's local food producers. As they navigate the challenges of small-scale agriculture, these farmers are ensuring that their knowledge and passion are passed down, empowering the next generation to continue the work of building a thriving local food system.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Realities of Small-Scale Farming

While the rewards of farming can be immense, the challenges are equally daunting. Carey, of Four Seasons Farm, has faced her fair share of setbacks, from coyote attacks on her meat birds to deer breaching her fences and grazing on her produce. These unexpected obstacles can put a strain on the delicate balance of a small-scale operation, requiring farmers to adapt and find creative solutions to protect their livelihoods.For Dillin, the greatest challenge lies in the modern food market, where local producers must compete with mass-industrialized operations that can drive prices down and create cost expectations that are difficult to meet. Finding bakeries or stores willing to use or sell her stone-milled flour has been a constant struggle, as her higher production costs often clash with the demand for cheaper alternatives."Our costs were a little bit higher; they wanted something a little bit cheaper," Dillin said of her experience with a local vendor. "That to me was the hardest thing to do, and it still is."These challenges underscore the need for a renewed focus on rebuilding the local food infrastructure that once sustained North Idaho's communities. As DePhelps, the University of Idaho Extension educator, noted, "A lot of what we're doing is recreating the types of connections and infrastructure that work for the farms that we have now."

Embracing the Future: Opportunities for Community-Driven Agriculture

Despite the obstacles, North Idaho's local food producers remain steadfast in their commitment to building a sustainable and resilient food system. They recognize that the path forward is not about simply returning to the past, but rather about understanding the present and embracing the opportunities that the 21st century presents."It's not about going back to what things were," DePhelps said. "It's about understanding where we are now."With the right support and development, these farmers, ranchers, and food industry professionals believe that community-driven agriculture can thrive in North Idaho. By fostering connections, rebuilding infrastructure, and empowering the next generation of food producers, they are laying the groundwork for a future where local, sustainable, and nutritious food is the norm, not the exception.As the Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit demonstrated, the passion and determination of North Idaho's local food community is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts to transform the way we think about and engage with our food. From the rolling fields to the bustling farmers markets, this region is poised to lead the charge in a food revolution that celebrates the rich diversity and resilience of community-driven agriculture.