Growing for Good: building resilience for farmers, food access, and markets to feed our community

The COVID-19 pandemic brought nearly everything to a halt – including farming. In April 2020, local farmers had already planted crops and invested time and money into the harvest when farmers markets were suddenly closed. With the loss of this key market, fear and uncertainty swirled among small farmers. On the other end of the food system, many people were losing their jobs and struggling to afford food.

Fresh produce in February: Farmbox Greens’ hydroponic farm growing microgreens year-round

Imagine a farm. You probably think of a rural location, with rows of plants growing out of soil and soaking up the sun. However, in the center of Seattle, there is a successful farm operating with none of these features.

What do noxious weeds mean for local farmers and gardeners?

Listen to noxious weed expert Allision Bachner from King County Noxious Weed Control Program on the Clean Greens Living show, hosted by Queen Bri of Clean Greens Farm and Market with interviews and tips on eating and living healthy. Links to audio recording on YouTube

Events + Announcements

The Food Systems Project Accelerator is soliciting applications from entities, groups and individuals with food systems infrastructure projects in a 12-county region of the Puget Sound. Projects may be in the planning or implementation stage and must address some element of increasing equitable access to opportunities in the food system and improving regional food security. 

Learn more here.

Viva Farms will be hosting an organic certification workshop on March 6th. Discussion will cover the collaboration with your certifier, systems for record keeping, inputs and application, inspection, renewal, inspection, and other processes involved in certification. Consideration of cost and cost-share opportunities will also be covered. There will be a Q&A – bring your questions!

Learn more and register here.

Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) competitive grants initiate or expand efforts of stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Projects may target areas of food access; education; business and start-up costs for new farmers; and development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production.

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by April 9, 2024. Learn more here.

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