Snohomish County Economic Development

Food security, long-term economic sustainability and healthy communities are priorities for Snohomish County government and its farmers. Together, they are combining generations of farming expertise with new technology, giving way to an advanced vision of local food sourcing, renewable energy, alternative fuels and green jobs.

Our farmers are technologically savvy, ranking 1st in the nation for use of Internet and Web formats in their farming businesses, according to the Kauffman Foundation’s 2008 State New Economy Index.

Agriculture in Snohomish County and the Pacific Northwest is changing at a rapid pace. These changes come from global market shifts, consumer trends, local regulations and the changing demographics of farmers themselves. The United States Development of Agriculture (USDA) 2007 Census of Agriculture states that Snohomish County’s agriculture economy is worth $126 million, coming from more than 1,650 farms. This is an increase of nearly 100 farms compared to the 2002 Agriculture Census.

Snohomish County and its citizens agree that farming is important to the economical, cultural and environmental health of the county.

Snohomish County Ag Fast Facts

• 1,670 farms
• 76,837 acres of farm land
• 46 acres is the average farm size
• In 2007, 45% of all Snohomish County farms were operated by women vs. 20% for the state
• 2007 total value of agricultural products sold was more than $126M; crop sales at
• $58.9M represented 47% while livestock sales at $66.7M represented 53 percent.
• Top market value crops are peas, corn for silage and all harvested vegetables.
• Snohomish County ranked in value for the state:
• 1st in commodity products sold for animals and animal products
• 2nd in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod
• 3rd in equine
• 4th in sheep, goats

Climate Information

Snohomish County boasts a mild climate that supports a wide variety of agricultural products. For more information, go to Washington State University AgWeatherNet.

Infrastructure

Transportation:
All modes of transportation for moving goods in and out of Snohomish County are available. Our major agricultural producing areas and potential processing locations have access to local, regional and state highways, national rail routes and the Port of Everett and Ports of Seattle/Tacoma, which offer large container shipping options.

Power & Water
Clean water and affordable power are abundant. These two critical items can play a major factor in deciding where to locate a business. Much of our county’s clean water comes straight from the Cascade Mountains and the Spada Lake Reservoir via the City of Everett.