Published September 2004

County amends ag code

SCBJ Staff

Snohomish County’s agriculture code was amended in August, with the changes aimed at opening the door to further economic opportunity for local farmers.

The two ordinances, signed by County Executive Aaron Reardon on Aug. 13, enable farmers to put on their property such economic drivers as:

• Farmers markets.
• Agricultural processing facilities.
• Bakeries.
• Kitchens.
• Farm stands up to 5,000 square feet in size.
• Farmland enterprises such as special-events venues.

Jackie Macomber, chair of the county’s Agriculture Advisory Board, said the ordinances, which the board had worked on for the past four years, were an important step forward for local agriculture.

“I do believe the changes to the code will give farmers the confidence they need to move forward and invest in their agricultural goals,” Macomber said of local agriculture, which is a $260 million-a-year industry that employs more than 6,000 people. “It gives them confidence and security. We just know that this will encourage more agricultural people to come into the area.”

Reardon agreed, saying the ordinances would help farmers and ranchers enter new markets and improve their bottom line.

“People talk about preserving farmland in Snohomish County, making it more productive so our family farmers can prosper,” he said. “This is the sort of effort that Snohomish County government — working in partnership with farmers, growers and producers — can play a key role in fostering.”

“Snohomish County government is working diligently to keep agriculture viable,” said County Council Chairman John Koster. “The ag code amendments are an exciting step in the right direction, and we will continue to examine other changes that will benefit Snohomish County farmers and ranchers.”

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