Agriculture in Lewis County

I am currently part of a project team that just completed a two-year agriculture grant project funded by USDA Rural Development and the Port of Chehalis, in partnership with the Northwest Agricultural Business Center. The project deliverables included the formation of a chartered group of producers and community stakeholders to collaborate with farmers market managers and rural agricultural producers to identify barriers impacting direct market sales unique to rural communities, and identify consumer barriers to access of agricultural products in the project service area of Lewis County. In 2022 the Port published a document containing a survey of regional direct-farm producers and consumers and a guidance document based on collaborative analyses.

This study revealed that there are specific challenges facing Lewis County, Washington agricultural producers who are currently, or may be considering direct-to-consumer markets. Project data also identified consumer access barriers to the purchase of local farm products and revealed a strong preference for buying local farm products. Stakeholders recommend the formation of a Lewis County Direct Farm Marketing Association (LCDFMA) to reduce the direct marketing barriers identified in the study, and build long-term organizational capacity in the development, coordination, and expansion of Lewis County farmers markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism activities, online sales, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

As a follow up to this project, The Port of Chehalis just received new USDA funding to complete a feasibility study and business plan to determine the likelihood of successfully forming a countywide Direct Farm Marketing Association (LCDFMA), and gauge the impact of the proposal on the local food system. The project will also develop a strategic plan to guide the development of the proposed association.

This Proposed new project will:

·        Facilitate the activities and expansion of a chartered group of producers and community stakeholders tasked with exploring the development of a LCDFMA

·        Enlist the services of qualified experts experienced in developing marketing associations for farm direct sales

·        Complete a feasibility study and business plan that consider the economic, technical, legal, and other relevant factors necessary to successfully develop a LCDFMA

·        Complete a strategic plan and position the project to successfully develop a LCDFMA

Expected outcomes are:

·        An engaged body of producers and community stakeholders, with an established charter, invested in the development of a LCDFMA

·        Completion of a feasibility study, business plan, and strategic plan, which support future funding and implementation, and provide an accurate assessment of the financial, legal, organizational, and other requirements necessary to develop a LCDFMA

·        Projected financial benefits of participation in a LCDFMA for regional market channels, such as Farmers Markets and Food Hubs, and producers

 This project will serve direct market farms selling products in Lewis County, and six farmers markets currently operating within Lewis County. This project will also serve Lewis County residents, who will benefit through increased access to locally produced farm products.

Feel free to contact me by email with any questions or concerns on this or other topics about agricultural happenings that affect Lewis County farming at HarryO4LewisCo@gmail.com