| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 12:02 pm |
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Commentary 
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GUEST COMMENTARY From soils to sales: A focus on farming's future On Thursday, approximately 600 farmers, ranchers, elected officials and concerned citizens will spend a day together talking about agriculture at the fourth annual Focus on Farming Conference, "From Soils to Sales."The conference has developed into a key regional event hosted by Snohomish County and has unified the agricultural base within the region. Because the landscape doesn't recognize county boundaries, the conference expanded last year to include all the counties surrounding Puget Sound. The conference day is filled with valuable information for farmers that will help us access new markets and improve our operations -- from how to manage changing climate conditions and financial risk management, to growing our economy and sustaining our individual businesses. Why does this matter? Snohomish County farmers find ourselves in a precarious response to the increasing pressures of urban growth. From the late 1800s, Snohomish County was primarily an agricultural economy, with up to 1,500 dairy farms at one time. Since the late 1970s, urban development, growth and expansion have supplanted agriculture in size, scope and impact. The result has been a decline in farmable land, profitability and ultimately, a decline in county farmers. The river valleys of Western Washington possess some of the most fertile and productive soils anywhere. These conditions, coupled with a temperate climate, are ideal for producing high milk yields and for growing fruit, vegetables, flowers, pasture grasses, seeds and other diversified crops. Focus on Farming conference workshops bring new ideas and sound strategies that will help expand the farmer's knowledge and enable us to improve our businesses. Many people don't understand that farming is a business. As a farmer, if I am unable to earn a profit, like any other business, I will have to quit farming. For years, the county wisely focused on aerospace, biotechnology and the building industries as economic engines. Yet agriculture wasn't viewed as an economic engine -- even though it's Washington's No. 1 employer -- until Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon took office in 2004 and made it a priority. Preserving local farmland -- and the livelihood of farmers -- will benefit Snohomish County citizens in a myriad of ways. As an industry, farming generates more than $126 million a year. However, agriculture is more than an economic engine. Farms provide wildlife habitat and open space for everyone to enjoy. Local agriculture also means fewer food miles and lessened dependence on fossil fuels to feed us, food security in a changing world, economic diversity, cultural heritage and a way of life. Local farmland is irreplaceable. Increasing public awareness about the value of farmers, and farmland, is a crucial step to preserving both. Those farmers and their businesses ensure we have a ready supply of safe food. The Focus on Farming conference is just one proactive step to help farmers sustain regional farming and preserve local agriculture. This working partnership with the county is also a viable avenue to new opportunities for economic development and a stable regulatory environment. Do you know where your next meal originated? Do you know a local farmer? Anyone interested in farm sustainability is invited to attend (online registration continues until Wednesday at www.focusonfarming.org). The diversity of what we grow and produce locally will be on display. Future generations depend on our local farms. Tristan Klesick owns the Klesick Family Farm/Organic Produce Shoppe in Stanwood. |
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- Everett rethinks boutique wineries
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last
- Boeing's 747-8 takes off after weather delay
- Plan for I-5 closures this week
- A new bowling alley for Monroe?
- Lake Stevens man homeless after fire
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
(10) - Vote on school levies by Tuesday (9)
- Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shooting death (5)
- 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington (4)
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries (4)
- Three politicians who want Gregoire's job in 2012 (3)
- Toyota has powerful D.C. friends (3)
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last (3)
- Life story: Man fought depression courageously, family says (3)
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged (3)
- Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
- Mill Creek to appeal ruling on annexation
- Through the air, with the greatest of ease
- E-W thriving under new coach
- The path to citizenship
- EUUC puts on ‘Pants & Shoes’
- Wolfpack wins the ‘Battle'
- Lynnwood’s annexation plans OK’d
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
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