Melony Edwards is a returning-generation farmer and joined the Food Systems Leadership team as a Program Associate in 2022. After completing degrees in culinary arts and hospitality, and working in all facets of food service, Edwards began wondering, “Where does our food come from?” On her journey of reclaiming farming Edwards found that gaining access to entry-level farming training in the rural landscape was exclusive, but she was determined to learn agricultural skills outside of her urban setting. She landed on a 20-acre, mixed-vegetable farm in rural Western Washington, where she immersed herself in small-scale agricultural practices as a market farmer selling directly to chefs around the greater Seattle area. Prior to working with the Wallace Center, Edwards’ farming focus was on seed stewardship with the Organic Seed Alliance. She also advocates for young farmers as a board member for the National Young Farmers Coalition, through which she lobbies for appropriations benefiting young farmers.
In her free time Edwards enjoys crafting hand dyed and hand spun yarn.