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The local food team shares articles, exclusive interviews, and project updates that tell the story of how we are building a stronger, more resilient local food system. To measure the success of local food programs, we have identified 10 indicators of success that measure how well we are doing in our efforts to create a stronger, more affordable food system. Each article is directly connected to one or more of our 10 indicators of success . Click on the indicator icons for more information about our initiative!
Have you visited Farm King County's Food Systems Data Center?
The Food System Data Center combines an interactive mapping platform with information and data on local agriculture to tell the story of our local farm and food system. The project was developed by multiple public agencies and non-profit organizations committed to using data to better understand, analyze and measure the health and viability of our food system. More data will be published very soon, so stay updated with our newsletter and blog!
In 2018, Farm King County launched its Food Systems Data Center, which combines an interactive mapping platform with information and data on local agriculture to tell the story of King County’s farm and food system.
A major component of the data center includes food system indicator progress metrics.These indicator progress metrics enable us to track progress toward our goals under the Local Food Initiative, assess the health and viability of our local food system, and better inform the development of policy and funding decisions.
At this time, Farm Economy indicators have been developed that inform our progress and efforts to grow markets for local products, improve affordability of healthy foods, increase availability of produce at food banks, and increase demand for local products.
Data and background information in each of these areas can be found under the Farm Economy section of the Data Center. The data presented relevant to King County’s farm economy is from the WA State Farmers Market Association and the USDA Census of Agriculture (see Data Overview section for more details).
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Future additions to the website will add indicators that help us measure and better understand environmental stewardship and farm and farmer demographics. Look for these updates later this year! |
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All aspects of the local food economy have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and farmers are on the frontline making sure food is harvested, packed, and delivered in a way that prioritizes safe, healthy food for consumers. However, like many industries, farmers are facing financial hardship as sales outlets are limited or effectively gone as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
During these uncertain times, many farmers are getting creative to help consumers access fresh local food with online ordering, delivery services, and new pickup locations. The King County Local Food team has created a resource list that includes the ways you can support farmers through produce subscriptions and other innovative market options.
Please read DNRP's blog post to learn more about CSAs, farmers markets, farm stands, online marketplaces, and much more!
Photo credit: Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets Association
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For additional food and farm COVID-19 response resources, please visit Farm King County. Thank you for your support of local food and farms!
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Many King County farmers are impacted by the temporary suspension of farmers markets due to COVID-19. Flower growers in particular experience unique challenges because they rely heavily on farmers markets for sales. In addition, many flower growers are immigrants and refugees, and market accessibility and communication barriers only exacerbate an already challenging business landscape.
Many consumers have been looking for ways to support flower farmers while farmers markets are temporarily suspended in the City of Seattle. King County and partner food and farm organizations are working to provide up-to-date information for consumers on how to support flower growers.
Some flower farmers are connecting with existing essential businesses and selling through these outlets, while others are offering on-farm pick-up or flower delivery. Another creative way is selling through the creation of neighborhood buying groups. Please visit Farm King County for a list of resources for supporting flower growers.
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 Farm King County has mobilized a dedicated, strong partnership of talented agricultural resource providers to help farm and food businesses respond to the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about financial resources, health directives, market opportunities, and consumer information available on Farm King County below:
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Financial resources for farmers: In response to historic changes in the business environment created by COVID-19, farmers can find information about pertinent grants, loans, relief programs such as payment delays or late fee forgiveness, and other resources and services for emergency planning.
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How to meet COVID-19 health directives: Safety is the highest priority in operating an essential farm and food business. Find resources from Public Health and from retailers and farm businesses here on how to implement COVID-19 safety directives for workers and shoppers in grocery stores and food retailers.
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Market opportunities: Directly connecting with shoppers is more important than ever. Shoppers can find farmers through online platforms for CSAs, farm stands, farmers markets, grocery stores, and food delivery options in the farmer’s area.
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Consumer information: Be a part of supporting the local food system! Many farmers are getting creative to help consumers access fresh, healthy food with online ordering, delivery services, and new pickup locations. Also consider donating to organizations supporting farmer relief in these uncertain times.
As we all know, things are changing rapidly. We pledge to provide timely, reliable, curated, and creative responses to the changing farm business environment.
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