Agriculture has been a dominant feature of Snohomish County’s fertile landscape since the county was founded in 1861. In recognition of the history and importance of commercial agriculture to the county’s quality of life and economic health, County Executive Aaron Reardon is taking steps to raise the profile of agriculture within county government through his Agriculture Initiative launched in 2004. The following information is from the USDA 2002 Census of Agriculture.
 
In Snohomish County:
• Agriculture is a $126.9 million industry
• Average market value of production per farm is $80,653
• There are 68,612 acres in farm lands
• Over 1,000 acres of seed crops are raised, most of which are for overseas markets

Snohomish County Farms:
• 1,574 farms
• 1,105 of those farms are family or individually owned
• 1,010 of those farms have sales of less than $25 thousand per year
• 597 farms are between 10 and 49 acres in size
• 226 farms are between 50 and 179 acres in size
• Average farm has $32,562 worth of machinery and equipment
• Average age of farmer is 55 years
• 26% of principal farm operators are women
• Farming is the primary occupation for 52% of farm operators

Snohomish County is Ranked:
• #1 in the state in major dairy counties in annual milk production per cow
• #3 in state in total pounds of all milk produced and number of dairy cows
• #2 in state in broiler chicken production and #5 in egg production
• #3 in state in strawberry production

Snohomish County Council relies on recommendations on farming issues from the Snohomish County Agricultural Advisory Board. Their meetings are usually the second Tuesday of the month. For information on their meetings, click on their website link: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/County_Services/Focus_on_Farming/Ag_Advisory_Board/

A Community Vision for Sustainable Agriculture in Snohomish County. The Snohomish County Agriculture Sustainability Project (ASP) was commissioned by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon following the recommendation of the Snohomish Agriculture Economic Development Action Team (SAEDAT). The ASP is a community-based initiative designed to enhance and strengthen the county’s agricultural economy as well as protect its critically important farmland.

This report is the result of farmers, agricultural agencies, advocates and government coming together for the preservation and economic prosperity of Snohomish County’s rapidly changing agrarian industry. The in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities that exist for local farmers provides valuable information, which will allow for a practical progression of positive steps.

The recent completion of the ASP report marks an important point in county efforts to improve local agrarian practices. It provides feasibility studies and outlines a wide range of recommendations and findings that will guide Snohomish County toward new and far-reaching efforts supportive of local farmers and residents alike. The true measure of the report, however, will be in its implementation and results.

To read the report, click on the following link:
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/County_Services/Focus_on_Farming/saedat.htm