OGC Mission Fund Recipient Tilth Alliance is Changing the Food System for the Better

Based in Seattle, Tilth Alliance works with farmers and gardeners to build a food system that’s more sustainable, resilient and fair. Their focus is on organic production and making sure communities that need it most have better access to good food.

Tilth tackles this challenge in many ways: running an urban farm in Seattle, offering education, connecting organic farmers through peer learning, hosting a conference, providing small grants for organic and sustainable farming, running a digital learning platform (Sustainable Ag Farmer Forum) and supporting youth through education and jobs.

Tilth is also active in organic advocacy. They helped start the Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (an alliance that includes OGC) and work with Washington’s state organic network to support better policies.

“Our work is all about transforming the food system and getting more organic, sustainably grown food on people’s plates,” shared Melissa Spear, Tilth’s executive director. “There’s a lot of joy in what we do. We also love teaming up with partners like OGC – I even served on the advisory committee for Organicology this year!”

Melissa reflected on Tilth’s history, “Last year, we celebrated 50 years since the start of the tilth movement. It began when a group of farmers heard Wendell Berry speak about the dangers of industrial agriculture and the importance of community farming. That message is still incredibly relevant today.”

The work Tilth is doing isn’t without its challenges. Some of their federal funding has been frozen, creating added strain on their budget. They’re working hard to raise the resources they need while tackling a big, complex mission.

Which is why we’re proud to support Tilth’s important work. In 2024, OGC gave Tilth an unrestricted Mission Fund grant (meaning they can use the money where it’s needed most).

 “It’s amazing for a company to offer general operating support. That’s the toughest funding for nonprofits to get,” Melissa shared. “We see ourselves as a regional player, partnering with like-minded groups. OGC plays such an important role in this movement, and our longstanding relationship has been a vital element to our success.”

OGC’s Mission Fund Grant Program helps increase access to organic food, promote equity in the food system, educate youth and more. Tilth Alliance is just one of the many organizations the Mission Fund supported last year. Find a list of all our 2024 grant recipients here.