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Liz Bryson

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Neighborhood Farmers Markets Help Preserve Rural Farmlands
More than 100 Washington Markets Added $38 Million to Local Economies in 2006

Seattle (July 23, 2007) - There is a growing urgency throughout Washington to preserve farmlands as the population increases in rural areas, bringing with it construction and the eventual loss of many open spaces.

Ensuring these rural areas remain construction-free will help maintain their natural beauty; the very thing that is attracting more people to these areas each year.

One way in which farmlands are being preserved is through community farmers markets. Their appeal is growing rapidly, with markets supplying large quantities of fresh produce, meats and dairy products to residents across the state. The farmers market movement is tapping into the fresh, locally grown produce trend that consumers across the West, and the nation, are demanding.

There are more than 100 markets in Washington, all of which supply food and other goods to customers produced by farmers from all corners of the state. These markets not only provide fresh food, but also help small farmers stay in business, thus maintaining open farmlands. It's a simple and effective direct marketing method for farmers that has resulted in an unexpected, but welcomed result.

"Farmers markets are truly making a difference whether farmers are staying in the industry or not," said Chris Curtis, founder and director of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets Alliance in Seattle. "Markets produce $40 to $50 million a year in sales, and we have at least 60 or more farmers coming just to Seattle on a regular basis."

Small farmers travel hundreds of miles every week, from all parts of the state, to sell their products. In Seattle markets alone, more than 140 small farmers from all parts of the state earn more money by bringing their produce into the city. More than 100 are members of the Washington State Farmers Markets Association which supports farmers markets year-round.

"Our farmers represent 5,300 acres of cultivated land in the state," Curtis said. "Most are farming on less than 10 acres. They bring their produce to markets and, for example, may get $1.89 for a head of lettuce, versus 18 cents at the wholesaler. Money goes directly to them and brings with it several really good benefits."

Naches cherry farmer Bill Razey said the Seattle markets have made it possible for his orchard to stay in business. He feels good about keeping his land as well as providing fresh food to city dwellers. Markets also help him maintain regular contact with other farmers throughout the state, giving him a better overall view of the state's agriculture industry.

"These markets keep us going during the lean years," Mr. Razey said. "We've had so many frosty years, that basically we haven't had commercial quantities of fruit. Markets allow us to get by with a much smaller crop and still survive."

Eighty-nine percent of all farms in the state are small farms, said Patrice Barrentine with the Washington State Department of Agriculture's small farms direct marketing program. "As you can see, that's a lot of small farms."

"Farmers markets make it possible for those thousands of farmers to stay in business," she said.

"The number of farmers markets has doubled in the past 10 years. I think customers are more interested in fresh products and eating healthier. Plus, every dollar spent at the market results in 62 cents going back into the local economy and 99 percent stays in the state. So farmers markets are like business incubators."

As the small farms are supported by retailers, their land is able to stay viable. The necessity to preserve those lands was just recognized by Governor Chris Gregoire as well. In June, she awarded $103.5 million in grants to 30 counties. The grants, funded through the Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, will support 159 projects aimed at building new recreational opportunities and protecting valuable farmland and wildlife habitat.

"Farmers markets are a smart, community-based opportunity to preserve our farmlands and support our farmers," said Governor Gregoire. "Washington farms are an important part of our history and the agriculture industry is key to our state's global competitiveness."

The month prior, she signed new transfer of development rights legislation which will allow rural land owners to sell their development rights to those seeking to create new growth in urban areas. The legislation will enable rural land owners to receive a fair value for their land, while giving up their right to build on it. Development rights will be transferred to property in urban locations, where construction, such as infill, will be encouraged.

The Cascade Land Conservancy and The Cascade Agenda were essential in creating the legislation. The two entities plan to monitor the legislation's progress to ensure farmland and wildernesses remain opens spaces.

"It took about a year-and-a-half to develop the plan," said Seattle resident John Howell, a Cascade Land Conservancy board member and former chairman. "Farmers will continue to farm, but get a good value for their property right. A developer will take that right and build in a higher density location, where it's more accepted."

The Cascade Land Conservancy also recognized Ms. Curtis in May, presenting her with the community service award for her efforts with farmers markets.

"We saw what she is doing, and it's just as important for protecting the rural land base," Howell said.

To also increase awareness, last year Gregoire proclaimed a week in August as Farmers Market Week. This year it is from August 12-18 and will emphasize the importance of shopping at a farmers market as often as possible, which benefits consumers, supports small farmers and preserves Washington's farmland.

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