Photo credit: Nikky Stephen

 

Farmland conservation in Washington is essential to sustain our state’s agricultural economy and rural heritage.

 

Yet the amount of agricultural land in Washington has declined significantly in recent years, with Puget Sound having lost over 57 percent of its farmland since the 1950s. In addition, the aging demographics of producers and increased development pressure has seen agricultural land steadily transition from families into corporate ownership. Together, these trends put the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the state’s food system at risk.
Many farmers and ranchers would prefer to protect their family’s legacy, and transition their operation to the next generation. Conservation easements provide one way for private landowners to protect thousands of acres of valuable farm and ranchlands from being lost. Agricultural land easements prevent conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses and provide financial support to landowners, all while safeguarding wildlife habitat, open space and ecosystem benefits. 
The members of the Farmland Affinity Group are committed to helping ensure that the local benefits of agriculture continue to accrue across the diverse communities in Washington. We do this by advocating for robust public funding, developing creative financing strategies, building land linking programs, supporting community outreach, and much more.

Together, we envision a vibrant and resilient food system for Washington.

 

In this future, our state’s most productive farmland is protected forever, family farms large and small remain viable into the future, and all people have access to fresh, healthy, and affordable produce.

 

Project Highlights

 

Rivers EdgeThe Dungeness Valley has a long agricultural history, and the land has retained this cultural and ecological significance over the years. Within this valley, River’s Edge remains an important place for farming and restoration. Read More...

 

 

After choosing to retire in Walla Walla, Carl and Sonia Schmitt saw development encroaching slowly on their home in Titus Creek. Carl and Sonia were able to successfully buy their neighbors’ land, but they knew this was only a temporary solution. Read More...


 

 

In North Central Washington, a family ranch sat in the middle of the Okanogan Highlands – highly-valued grasslands that are continually threatened by low-density development. Read More...


 

 

Photo credit: Jim Diers
After arriving on Vashon Island in the 1930’s from Japan, the Matsuda family spent nearly a century (and 3 generations) cultivating an agricultural legacy at their small farm. When it no longer was possible to keep the farm in the family, Miyoko Matsuda contacted Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust. Read More...