More land, less farms: 2022 Census of Agriculture highlights the importance of supporting small and mid-size farmers in King County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture was published in February, giving insight into how the pandemic and continued growth in the region affected King County’s farms. The data validates what local producers have been highlighting for the past four years: small farms were hit the hardest by COVID-19, economic instability, and fluctuations in real estate and food markets.

‘We want anybody who eats to be able to learn about and access local food’ – Eat Local First’s Washington Food & Farm Finder relaunched

“Local food offers the best nutrition, produces less waste, and supports local farming, sustainable agriculture and local economies,” the organization notes on its website. “Eating local nourishes our families, and the communities we love.” The Eat Local First Collaborative launched the online Washington Food and Farm Finder in 2020, which serves as a map and directory of local producers, food access resources, processors, and food businesses that prioritize local ingredients.

Cooking up local businesses: the importance of commissary kitchens in King County and a new tool to discover more

Commissary kitchens are shared-use, licensed commercial kitchen spaces available for rent. They are key for new and small businesses to be able to access infrastructure such as specialized appliances and cold storage, especially for businesses with limited capital access. Access to commissary kitchens can make it easier for more local food businesses to start and grow. However, most commissary kitchens in King County are at capacity.

Events + Announcements

Join the King County Noxious Weed Control Program for a half-day seminar on noxious weed control for vegetation management staff, restoration crews and anyone interested in learning about weeds. Sessions will be held on May 8 and May 15. Learn more and register here.

If you enjoy your experience working with King Conservation District and appreciate the services they provide you, tune into a listening session May 16 from 6:00-7:00pm or May 21 from noon-1:00pm to learn about our Rate Renewal effort and provide feedback. If you can’t join, you can submit public comment and messages of support through our online form.

Join American Farmland Trust at the Oregon Food Bank farm in Portland for a day centered on women and non-binary military veterans in agriculture on May 16. Lunch and snacks will be provided, travel stipends will be covered, and free attendance! Learn more and register here.

Enjoying this newsletter? Subscribe to get fresh local food stories in your inbox each month.

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