Project Overview
The Beginning Farmer Support
Collective has created an active network of beginning farmer training
programs across King County, Washington that provides new farmers with education,
technical assistance and support on a variety of issues, and guidance to find affordable land
to initiate and continue farming. This year, efforts have increased through
participation in the Working Farmland Partnership with public and nonprofit
entities, to develop innovative ways to get formerly farmable land back into
production as well as to purchase land to preserve acreage in agricultural use.
Work has also been done on creating a working document on Starting Farming in
King County that consolidates information for interested future farmers to
explore everything from farm business to finding capital. The partners, Tilth
Alliance, SnoValley Tilth and Viva Farms King County have partnered with King
County to strengthen individual training programs by sharing common best
practices as well as promoting continuing education workshops, farm
walks and demonstrations for community farmers. The launch of Farm Practice
Intensives on weed management and greenhouse management are also fostering
peer-to peer instruction, mentoring relationships, and improved practices among
local networks of small farmers. The developing momentum from this year’s
combined endeavors is contributing to an ultimate vision where King County,
home to a more than $6 billion food and beverage market, will be a place where small farms
can thrive, and where beginning farmers are supported from their initial
interest in farming to when they become independent operators of economically
viable farms. Workshops, networking events, and web resources on FarmLink.org
are providing beginning farmers and land owners with tools, education and
technical assistance to increase land access and facilitate future land
transfers. The coordinated efforts will continue next year to extend and expand
education, training, and sustainable practices to reach more new farmers.
Number of Participants: 55
Promotional Materials
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Educational Materials
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Reports & Evaluations
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Individual Stories / Examples of Success