Tilth Conference

Conference Schedule

Tilth Conference

Conference Schedule

Advocacy for Agriculture in Washington: How to Navigate, Instigate, and Speak Out in the Legislature

  • Date: Friday, November 14
  • Time: 4-5:15 p.m.
  • Speakers: Melinda Lupe Johnson, Lilith Moon Farm Agricultural Organization; Nils Johnson, Lilith Moon Farm Agricultural Organization; Melissa Spear, Tilth Alliance

In order to ensure agricultural sustainability in the future, it is essential for farmers in Washington State to understand how to engage with the state’s Legislature. This session will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively navigate the political system, from contacting legislative representatives to organizing action days and setting appointments. By learning how to influence laws and policies, farmers can play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture in the state.

About the Speakers

  • Melinda Lupe Johnson

    Lilith Moon Farm Agricultural Organization

    Melinda’s life has been dedicated to Agriculture since she was a 4-Her at 8 years old and as a FFA student later on as a teenager. Melinda’s goal is to educate, mostly in agriculture. She is a double bachelor’s degree holder and is almost done with her third Master’s degree, in Microbiology. As a raw dairy obsessive, Melinda hopes to advocate for better systems for raw milk producers in Washington state. Most of all, she believes in serving ALL farmers in Washington State and holds special interest in rural Washingtonians and those residing on the East side of the Cascade Mountains.

  • Nils Johnson

    Lilith Moon Farm Agricultural Organization

    Nils’ life goal, both at work and at home is to help his community to become a place that feeds itself. As Food Systems Program manager, Nils’ job is to find and implement best practices that will enable local farms, ranches, orchards, dairies, and other food businesses in NE Washington to feed people living in this same area. Nils’ programs have a focus on traditionally marginalized and at-risk populations. He grew up on a small farm in northern British Columbia where his family grew most of their own food and currently produces vegetables on his small-scale off-grid farm near Chewelah WA. Before buying his farm, Nils had an application engineering career doing modeling and simulation work primarily with automotive and aerospace systems. In addition to being a proud farm and primitive skills nerd, Nils is also an unapologetic data and spreadsheet nerd.

  • Melissa Spear

    Tilth Alliance

    Melissa Spear has led non-profits working in environmental conservation and sustainability for over 20 years. Supporting farmers and advocating for policies, programs and resources that support family farms has become her passion since moving to Washington and joining Tilth Alliance as Executive Director 6 years ago. Melissa has a particular interest in growing the organic and regenerative agriculture sector which delivers multiple benefits to farmers, consumers, communities, and the environment. Melissa has an MBA from IESE business school and a Masters in Forest Science from the Yale School of the Environment. She is also the humble mother of two amazing human beings.