Focus on Farming

The County works hand-in-hand with the farming community to increase county farmland, improve farm productivity and profitability. Planning and permitting processes are streamlined to better meet farming timelines.

Programs such as the following are generating results. Agriculture Action Plan (AAP), Snohomish County Agriculture Economic Development Action Team Report (SAEDAT) and the latest undertaking, the Agricultural Sustainability Project (ASP) Report – all build upon prior successes.

Current projects include:

  • New biofuels industry resulting from a partnership between county farmers, local energy businesses and county government ignited a new biofuels industry.
  • Countywide farmers’ market
  • New processing and distribution facilities
  • Lucrative local food production (Puget Sound Fresh)
  • Agri-tourism industry expansion

 

County Agriculture Contacts

Our Economic Development Division has staff dedicated to your success. Our County departments and local organizations work in partnership to get you moving faster. 

Ryan Hembree, Agriculture Coordinator, 425.388.7112
County and state farm and farmland regulations & permitting, farm infrastructure and operations development and expansion, coordination of multi-state agency programs such as: Dept. of Ecology, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

Linda Neunzig, Ag Project Coordinator, 425.388.7170
Focus on Farming Conference, Evergreen State Fair Ag Display, agricultural business planning and development, farming education services, farming legislation.

 

Ag Resources

  • Snohomish County Focus on Farming website - current announcements, job postings, message board, Centennial Farms and information on farming events.
  • Permitting applications, Roxanne Pilkenton, Planning Development Services, 425.388.2731. Permit application submittals by appointment only. Call 425-388- 3311, x2790. Online appointment click here.  
  • Agricultural Advisory Board - serves as an advisory body to the County Executive, County Council, Planning Commission, and Hearing Examiner on the County Comprehensive Plan, agriculture regulation and other agricultural policy matters