King County to use Conservation Futures funding to build land access for underrepresented farmers

Instead of protecting existing farms through easements, this year’s Conservation Futures recommendations will help fund the ownership of farmland by nonprofits with a land access mission. The Conservation Futures advisory committee is recommending nearly $8 million, pending final award decision by King County Council, to support farmland purchases by three nonprofits committed to expanding farmland access for underrepresented producers.

Falling River Meats opens local, ethical, and sustainable deli in North Bend

Tucked into an unassuming storefront in historic downtown North Bend is an inspiring vision of the future of King County’s food system. The smells of fresh bread and sizzling beef are as enticing as the cases of fresh cuts of meat and rainbow vegetables. Everything on the shelves has been sourced from the Pacific Northwest, and much of it from the Snoqualmie Valley itself. The food here doesn’t just taste good – it does good for the local farming community and the planet.

2022 Farmers Market Report: King County markets coming back strong from pandemic lows

There was a nearly 50% decrease in the number of vendors as well as total sales at King County farmers markets from 2019 to 2020. This sudden shock rocked the local food economy, increasing the financial instability of producers and contributing to the closure of small food businesses. However, the recently published 2022 King County Farmers Markets report shows a significant rebound from the pandemic.

Events + Announcements

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington accepts ACEP-ALE applications on a rolling basis. However, the batching deadline for ACEP-ALE applications seeking federal funding in fiscal year 2024 is December 15, 2023. Learn more or apply here.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund is now funding and pilot opportunities to reduce restaurant food waste. This grant fund will support proven or pilot-ready food waste solutions for small to medium-sized independent restaurants. Learn more or apply here.

Join the Western Washington Food Systems Partnership for a virtual lunch and learn session on Wed Dec 06 at 12:00 PM to delve into the world of food safety planning. Whether you're a farmer, processor or technical service provider, here's your chance to learn more about developing a food safety plan. Register here.

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Interested in learning more about the Local Food Initiative? Click here to learn more about the 2024 planning process.