“Farming is growing in Snohomish County,” stated Snohomish County Agriculture Coordinator Linda Neunzig. The outlook by the latest census figures and current reports shows that the number of farms is increasing, as well as the size of the farms. Linda explained that a National Agriculture census occurs every five years, and the last one was 2017-2022. However, a local report done March of 2024 had shown farm income and farms increasing as well. Next generations of inherited farms, staying rather than leaving, are seeing the positive nature of the industry. The value of County products is up 78%.
Diversity in farming is also on the rise. Gender equalization is also happening with a steady growth in female farmers. Some of the ethnic groups attracted to farming are the Hmongs, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
One significant upsurge was in livestock production. Farmers produced more feed for the livestock and rotated the crops. However, no feed is exported from the County.
When asked about rural clusters, Linda surprised the committee by saying that this was somewhat a gray area. She finds anything that takes parcels from agriculture production to be a loss, but she also understands housing pressures and that this type of development may help to preserve more land. She wants the Council to hold the present Urban Growth Development line. She is very excited and optimistic about the new Food and Farming Center that is being designed behind the bus transit center on 128th St. Its year-round nature will give farmers more opportunities to “sell local” and the community to “buy local.” Linda’s full presentation is available at our League YouTube site.
In other news:
- Carol McMahon reported that the WA Department of Natural Resources is planning to sell three parcels of mature forests in the County for logging in June. Stay tuned to emails from Kate Lunceford on steps that might yet be taken to show the League’s position to save mature forests.
- Marjie Fields reiterated the importance of contacting the Edmonds City Council about including protective plans for the Edmonds Marsh in their comprehensive plan.
- Nancy Johnson sent information on a series of May Zoom events for the Sierra Club.
Joan Smith described the upcoming field trips:
- Oso Memorial, with Sharon Swan of the Parks Department, 10:30 A.M., June 12th, lunch at Rhodes River Ranch.
- Cascadia Art Museum tour on July 12th, 11 A.M., arranged by Phyllis Busch, with lunch at Anthony’s.
- Kayak Point to see renovations, August 14th, 11:00 A.M., bring a picnic lunch.
Register on our webpage for these events and to arrange restaurant seating!
The next meetings will be the summer field trips, and the next Zoom meeting will be September 20TH, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Guest speakers will be trainers from the Snohomish County Planning Department to show us their new “Environmental Equity Tool”!