Culinary Breeding Network collaborates with farmers, breeders, and partners such as the Dry Farming Institute and Organic Seed Alliance to raise awareness of dry farming as a powerful tool for building resilient, flavorful, and climate-adapted food systems.
Dry farming is an agricultural practice that relies on stored soil moisture rather than irrigation. When conditions are right, it offers significant benefits for growers, eaters, and ecosystems alike.
Dry Farming
Why Dry Farming Matters
Dry farming significantly reduces water use, while also saving growers time and energy otherwise spent irrigating.
Low-Input Systems
Because dry-farmed fields are not irrigated, weed pressure is often reduced and nutrients are less likely to leach from the soil. This can lower reliance on chemical inputs such as herbicides and fertilizers.Flavor & Nutrition
With less water diluting sugars and acids, dry-farmed produce is often more flavorful and nutrient-dense - qualities highly valued by chefs and consumers.Storability
Dry-farmed crops frequently store longer than their irrigated counterparts, offering benefits across the supply chain.Resilience
Dry farming creates opportunities for growers without water rights and supports adaptation to a changing climate, particularly in regions facing increasing water scarcity.
Tomato Fest: Celebrating Dry-Farmed Flavor
The Culinary Breeding Network organizes Tomato Fest at Wellspent Market, an annual mid-September celebration of peak-season tomatoes in Portland, Oregon. Produced collaboratively by CBN and Wellspent Market, Tomato Fest brings together farmers, plant breeders, chefs, and tomato lovers to explore the diversity, flavor, and future of this iconic crop.
Guests taste dozens of unique tomato varieties—many bred for exceptional flavor and regional adaptability—while connecting directly with the farmers and breeders who grow and develop them. Cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, face painting, and tomato-inspired fashion add to the festive atmosphere.
A central focus of Tomato Fest is dry farming. Through tastings and conversations, attendees learn how this water-conserving practice not only supports environmental sustainability but also intensifies flavor and strengthens regional food systems.
Tomato Fest is a fun, family-friendly event that builds community while celebrating the beauty, complexity, and potential of tomatoes grown with intention.
Resources
Learn more in the Dry Farming Zine.
For farmers, wanting more information on dry farming or to find out about meetings and field days, visit here.