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| Lopez Island | Orcas Island | Visitor's Guide | ||
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GUEST COLUMN BY ELIZA HABEGGER - AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE MEMBER |
Workshops/Potlucks5-7 p.m. 4:30-6:30 p.m. | |
Farmland and farmers are preciousBy Eliza Habegger Farmland is a limited and precious natural resource in San Juan County. Our islands are composed primarily of bedrock and stony glacial deposits, topped by thin soil. There’s a finite amount of deep, fertile soil that’s suitable for agriculture. Yet, farmland is one of our most treasured island scenes. Modest farmsteads, livestock pastures, hayfields, and market gardens are the comforting and familiar sights we enjoy each day. Going far beyond simple viewing pleasure, local farms offer us a large variety of fresh food - a partial list of products currently available includes eggs, milk, cheese, meat, fruit, wine, and a brilliant array of vegetables. Well-managed farms make good environmental sense. They’re the source of wholesome jobs and help broaden our economy beyond its base of tourism and residential development. Our farmers are also a precious resource, and they face mounting obstacles. Farming has never been easy. Current conditions make it even harder. Most notably, land prices have risen so high that it’s much more profitable for owners of agricultural land to subdivide and sell than it is to farm. It’s nearly impossible for new farmers of average means to get started – income from the farm just can’t come close to paying the mortgage, especially on the large acreage that’s required for some types of agriculture. Who will replace our existing farmers? Where will they farm, as more prime land becomes residential, and prices continue to rise? The San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) wants to keep this county hospitable to producers and help new farmers find a way to get started. There are already some existing programs that help out, and the ARC thinks it can do even more. One idea is to link up aspiring young farmers with landowners willing to lease or sell their land. Many private landowners already make their properties available for farming. For example, Blue Moon Produce on Waldron and Jones Family Farms on Lopez are two major producers who subsist entirely on land leased from others. These farmers make a living supplying local families and restaurants with produce, meat, and more. The Land Bank is also now considering long-term leases for agricultural land that it owns. Other landowners may be interested if the opportunity is presented, and if the right match can be made. Even just a few acres of neglected pasture could become a vegetable farm, a berry patch, or some other creative and useful venture. With these ideas in mind, the ARC is sponsoring two FarmLink Workshop/Potlucks on September 17 at the Orcas Senior Center (5-7 PM), and September 18 at the Lopez Grange (4:30-6:30 PM). Aspiring and active farmers, owners of unused agricultural lands, and others interested in maintaining a lively agricultural community are encouraged to attend. The workshops will feature Mary Embleton who runs Washington FarmLink. This non-profit program specializes in connecting people wanting to get started in agriculture with farmers and landowners who are committed to establishing the next generation of producers. FarmLink can help with technical expertise, resources, and one-on-one assistance. I am not a farmer and I cannot predict what ventures might succeed here. There’s no denying that profitable farming is a daunting proposition in this high-priced county. Yet, it’s happening successfully right now, and there are thoughtful, creative young people looking to get started if they can find the right opportunity. Wouldn’t it be something to create a few new farms, instead of a few more sterile, suburban-style developments? We all benefit richly from our farming neighbors. If you, too, have been wondering how to help, I’ll see you at one of the upcoming FarmLink workshops. Join the ARC in its mission to support and promote agriculture in the islands. |
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