AFT Looks To Promote Western Washington Farming

A new action plan aims to secure the future of farming in the Puget Sound region.  The nonprofit American Farmland Trust said the roadmap focuses on strengthening farm economies, protecting agricultural land, and improving environmental health.

The plan, funded by the Puget Sound Partnership, draws on a 2024 survey of farmers and aspiring growers.  It found rising labor and supply costs, market swings, climate pressures, and regulatory expenses are taking a toll on farmers’ financial and emotional resilience.

These Are Urgent Priorities

“This Puget Sound region stands at a critical moment, and this plan is urgent,” said AFT Pacific Northwest Regional Director Addie Candib. “Without immediate, united action, we risk losing the farmland, farmers, and natural resources that sustain our communities.

"The strategies in this plan are not long-term aspirations, they are urgent priorities that demand bold leadership and decisive investment now," Candib continued.  "Protecting irreplaceable working lands, strengthening farmer livelihoods, expanding equitable land access, preparing for climate extremes, and supporting the health and wellbeing of those who feed our region cannot wait.” 

The plan outlines five key goals: protecting farmland from development, boosting farm profitability, expanding access to land and markets, preparing for climate impacts, and supporting farmer well-being.

Local Involvement Is Key

It also urges agencies, local governments, and nonprofits to coordinate efforts and invest in long-term agricultural sustainability.

“There’s no question that state agencies, local governments, conservation partners, and elected officials each have a critical role to play,” said Candib. “But lasting change is only possible if residents, consumers, and advocates also use their voices, purchasing power and civic engagement to champion a future where farming remains viable and valued. Every policy decision, funding allocation, and community action taken today shapes whether the next generation will inherit a resilient agricultural landscape or the loss of an irreplaceable resource.”

Click Here to check out the entire plan.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com