BY STEPHANIE SMITH for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 10/30/2026
The barter system is alive and well in Pierce County. One local group has built a solid network.
An old economic system is surging in popularity and she isn’t turning anyone away. It seems that old has become new again, and with prices soaring to new heights, people are digging deep and returning to their roots. The garden and small farm have become the new center of a rush back to a traditional means of exchange where cash isn’t necessarily king. Barter is and always has been the queen of this land, and she is not yielding her strength and authority to any.
A local champion of this queen is the PNW Farm Barter Faire Network (farmbarterfaire1.weebly.com or on Facebook). They recently held an event this month that was full of goods, goodies, crafts, plants, and a plethora of other items. They have held many in the past years. Yes, PNW Farm Barter Faire Network members are out there sounding the trumpets and leading the charge, but make no mistake, you still have to be a member to attend private events and post on their page. Lucky for you, I have the inside scoop on how to get in.
And the big secret to joining is … that everyone is welcome and membership is free, as long as you respect and treat each other right. Whether your maker space is your apartment or your family farm, if you bring it, they will barter. Has chicken math got the better of you? Is a plethora of rosemary, lavender, or some other plant eating up your yard? Do you love to crochet or sew, but do not have enough room for everything you make? Barter is a good way to share the wealth because what you may have, a great deal of your fellow members may need or want, or have something you need that you can trade for. This is a tale as old as time, and the queen sees all her subjects as equals.
The most recent event was hosted by Alecia Rivas and her family at a well-known and well-loved spot in the Network, Edelweiss Ranch in Graham. Alecia and her family have worked hard to organize many events over the years. At this October’s event, there were many familiar faces and voices who have worked to invite members and bolster membership through tireless exaltation, or have been attending and bartering for longer than this author. Those who were unable to attend this October Barter Faire were missed fiercely by many.
This is neither hollow praise nor jest regarding the devotion of any of us to the PNW Farm Barter Faire Network, but the result of years of community building by determined individuals and their family and friends. They are truly the champions in this crusade. Some of those champions include Smokin Goat Ranch in Roy, Celtic Elk Campground in Randle, Dedee, Amanda, Jess, Chelsie, Jessica, Tabs, and so many more. If you were not mentioned, I apologize and thank you for your work!
And … while bartering brings people to these privately hosted events, the strong community that is forged keeps them coming back. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and experience, and everyone is willing to listen. Differing viewpoints, skill levels, or experiences are not met with anger, mockery, or frustration, but acceptance and open minds. This acceptance is founded in the desire to exist alongside and encourage others to share and grow. The intent is to share, trade, network, teach, and learn from others.
Children run around and play with new and not-so-new friends while parents have conversations and enthusiastically share ideas. Some children even choose to engage in the barter economy with homegrown vegetables, fruits, arts, or crafts.
People who aren’t necessarily social butterflies get to flit from table to table, and even they seem to enjoy themselves as they chat about their items for barter from their tables. It is not just the thrill of the barter when you trade a jar of honey and some homemade soaps for plants, seeds, and homemade bread that summons you from the shelter of your home, but also the connections and friendships you build along the way. It is most certainly a welcoming and engaging experience that none of those in the Network seek to hoard like dragons over their treasure. Remember the secret: “Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks” (J.R.R. Tolkien) … no, not that … that everyone is welcome and membership is free.
It is important to note that while there is a strong community, the one thing that is not necessarily readily available is the organizers and locations to hold more frequent, privately hosted events. Putting on these events is not easy or free. There are standards, rules, and requirements in place to make sure each event is safe and comfortable. We are always looking for new members and organizers or locations to help bolster this beautiful queen we call Barter. Head on over! If you think you have nothing to offer, you may be wrong. What you have in excess others may need, and that is truly awesome. This author knows through years of watching the determined few make mountains move that one must “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)
Visit farmbarterfaire1.weebly.com for more information.
