Ag Commission exploring paths to secure bright future for King County farmers

Oct. 14 meeting in the Snoqualmie Valley encourages farmer-consumer dialogue

Farmers – and those interested in the future of farming in King County – are invited to come to the historic Vincent Community Schoolhouse near the foot of Novelty Hill Road on Oct. 14, when the King County Agriculture Commission will discuss how to best ensure farms remain a vital part of the county landscape.

Local food is gaining in popularity. From chefs to home cooks, more people are looking to local food because it is considered safer, superior in taste and quality, and healthier than mass produced and processed food. More residents want to visit farms, pick their own food, and stop at roadside farm stands.

It takes a strong base of local farms to provide fresh, nutritious food in order to satisfy that demand. King County staff have been working with the county’s farmers and policymakers to develop a plan that promotes a robust family farming presence here for generations to come. Local farms face many challenges in a largely urban county.

The first stage of that plan began two years ago when the King County Agriculture Commission held a series of meetings across the county with farmers and other interested citizens to discuss ideas for securing agriculture’s future here.

Now the commission wants to share with farmers and the broader community what they have learned – and to discuss the new challenges facing farmers, plus new opportunities. We need strong farm-city connections.

The Oct. 14 the “future of farming” meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. at the Vincent Community School House, 8010 W. Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE, Carnation.

Contact Claire Dyckman, King County Water and Land Resources Division, for more information at 206-296-1926.