Gaining Access to Farmland (WSU workshop)

One of the biggest barriers farmers face is access to good quality land. Land around urban areas can be more than double the cost of rural land – yet this is where anyone using a direct market model needs to be located to be successful. Due to competition from development, land prices are being pushed beyond what a farmer can afford or reasonably pay off on a farm income. And with 70 percent of the nation’s farmland expected to transition in the next two decades, it’s critical we find ways to transfer our most valuable agricultural lands to the next generation of farmers before they are lost forever to other uses.

Join us Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm for Gaining Access to Farmland to learn more about the different options currently available in Western Washington. Location is WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th ST SE, Everett (inside McCollum Park). You’ll hear from real estate and legal professionals, as well as representatives of different land trust models and farmers utilizing outside the box land sharing arrangements.

Sponsored by Keller Williams Reality, American Farmland Trust, and Snohomish Conservation District topics covered include lease agreements, succession planning, land trusts, and unique farm shares along with tips and lessons learned when buying, selling, or leasing land.

Cost is $15 per person or $25 per farm or family up to three. To register, visit AccessFarmland.eventbrite.com. For more information on the workshop, visit snohomish.wsu.edu/event/access-farmland  or contact Holly Small, hollynthompson@wsu.edu or Kate Ryan, kate.ryan@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported through your local Extension Office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Karie Christensen at 600 128th St SE, Everett, WA (425) 357-6039 christensen4@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.