ensuring the economic viability of Skagit County agriculture
Read more about our mission & vision
What We’re Working on
Our Story
Five local farm families and their supporters joined together to found Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (SPF). As reflected in the name, our mission is to ensure the continued economic viability of Skagit County agriculture and its required infrastructure. It is a mission as compelling and critical today as it was when those first five families and their friends gathered together to defeat a major conversion of farmland.
Agritourism
We are pleased with the decision by the Board of County Commissioners to enact an emergency moratorium and interim ordinance for Agritourism, signaling an opportunity to consider and incorporate the nearly 1000 public comments received by the County last summer, including the work and public comments submitted by the SPF sponsored multi-stakeholder agritourism workgroup.
The multi-stakeholder agritourism work group came together five hours a week for four weeks to develop a suite of win/win options for the County to consider as part of the public process last year.
The action of the Board of County Commissioners signals this work will now be considered as part of the County’s process moving forward.
We are looking forward to working with Skagit County and all the stakeholders in the new process.
The Role of Small Scale Farms in Skagit Agriculture
Skagit County’s agricultural economy is a mix of small and large farms. Many small-scale farmers are producing food, flowers and fiber on land that is too small for the larger tractors and equipment. Small farms keep some of our most at-risk farmland from converting to non-agricultural uses. Small farms create the on-farm experiences that is not possible or safe on larger farming operations-with sales of fresh produce, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Join us as we explore the role Skagit’s small farms play in maintaining a vibrant agricultural economy.
The Role of Large Scale Farms in Skagit Agriculture
Farming plays a central role in Skagit County life, and large-scale agriculture drives the economic engine that makes it go.
The demand from big farms supports the critical infrastructure necessary to maintain a viable agricultural economy and community here that all farmers (and rural living enthusiasts) benefit from.
Join us as we explore the role Skagit’s large farms play in maintaining a vibrant agricultural economy.
Cows & Community: Harmony Dairy
For the love of animals, people and this community. Follow the link and learn all about Jason and Eric Vander Kooy of Harmony Dairy and their commitment to their farm and their neighbors
Farmland Forever - The Pierson Family Story
In 1989 the threat of an amusement park replacing a family legacy spurred David Pierson into action... and was the beginning of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland.
Thirty-two years later 285.7 acres and 7 development rights have been placed in the Skagit County Farmland Legacy Program.
Pura Nelida Farm: Success, Acre by Acre
Pura Nelida Organic Produce is a success story and triumph for Nelida Martinez. Her journey began with a bumper crop of tomatoes from her garden and slow but steady expansion with the help of Viva Farms.
Learn more about Nelida’s ambitions and passion for the farm!