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Home > County Services > Focus on Farming > Farming Information > What's New

What's New

Snohomish County Growers Alliance Charter Business Plan. With implementation of this Business Plan, Snohomish County farmers will support an organization tentatively referred to herein as the Snohomish County Growers Alliance (SCGA). The SCGA is a non‐profit organization devoted to advancing economic growth among Snohomish County farmers.

Eat Locally Grown Food for Thanksgiving. Farmers growing for local markets, tend to grow a greater diversity of plant varieties and animal breeds selected for their regional adaptability and flavor. Our local farmers grow over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables - asparagus to zucchini, including over a dozen delicious varieties of potatoes, plus an array of livestock, poultry, cheese and other dairy products, honey, herbs and flowers. Buying locally grown products helps maintain this critical diversity as well as ensuring that the food we serve at our table is fresh and full of flavor. Buying locally grown also helps put more dollars in the hands of local farmers. Plus shortening the food chain is one way to improve the environment because crops need to be transported shorter distances. Take the pledge to have at least one locally grown food on your Thanksgiving table. See more details!

A Community Vision for Sustainable Agriculture in Snohomish County. The Snohomish County Agriculture Sustainability Project (ASP) was commissioned by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon following the recommendation of the Snohomish Agriculture Economic Development Action Team (SAEDAT). The ASP is a community-based initiative designed to enhance and strengthen the county’s agricultural economy as well as protect its critically important farmland.

This report is the result of farmers, agricultural agencies, advocates and government coming together for the preservation and economic prosperity of Snohomish County’s rapidly changing agrarian industry. The in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities that exist for local farmers provides valuable information, which will allow for a practical progression of positive steps.

The recent completion of the ASP report marks an important point in county efforts to improve local agrarian practices. It provides feasibility studies and outlines a wide range of recommendations and findings that will guide Snohomish County toward new and far-reaching efforts supportive of local farmers and residents alike. The true measure of the report, however, will be in its implementation and results.

Heritage Barn Register. Nominations due October 17, 2011. The Washington Heritage Barn Register commemorates barns as historically significant resources representing the agricultural, economic and cultural development of the State of Washington. To be eligible for listing in the new Heritage Barn Register, barns must be over 50 years old and retain a significant degree of historic and architectural integrity. Owners interested in seeking designation for their historic barns are asked to complete a nomination form and provide basic information about the property. The next round of Heritage Barn nominations are due October 17, 2011. View more details.

FEMA to Offer Residents Flooding Help. The White House issued a federal disaster declaration Friday, Jan. 30 for Snohomish County and other areas impacted by flooding that occurred between Jan. 6 and 16. Individual assistance for flood victims is now available and may include funding and support for residents suffering personal property damages. Disaster victims must first register with FEMA for assistance. The sooner residents register, the quicker they may see federal assistance. FEMA has set up a toll-free number (1-800-621-FEMA) so that individuals and households may begin to apply for assistance immediately. Residents also may register online. If interested, please see more details in the press release.

Biodiesel update: Canola seed drying tests are now in, and the results are promising. View the summary here. (Oct. 2007)

Unified Development Code. Snohomish County is reviewing and updating its Unified Development Code, and some of the changes will affect agriculture. The UDC Update Project will address land use and zoning, development standards, health and safety, as well as policies and procedures such as permitting. To learn more, visit UDC Update Project for ongoing news.

2006 Critical Areas Regulations Update

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