COVID-19 Information & Resources for Whidbey Farmers

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The novel Coronavirus pandemic is an ever evolving situation that Whidbey Island Conservation District is following closely. In this time of social distancing and small business closures, we need our local farmers and producers more than ever. Support organizations are providing information, guidance, resources, webinars, and Zoom meetings to help local farmers and producers make their way through this unprecedented situation. We are all in this together! Below are resources and information for our local farm community. Please don't hesitate to contact WICD with specific questions.

Resources, Publications, and Past Webinar Recordings
We will update this as more resources, webinars, and information become available.

Washington State Governor Resource Page

• Governor Jay Inslee's Official COVID-19 Resource Page

Financial Assistance Resources

• New Small Business Administration COVID19 relief loans opened up for Ag Business only. Visit here.to sign up.
• ​Relief funding through Farmland Relief Fund, created by American Farmland Trust. Eligible farmers can receive up to $1,000 in cash grants, with the initial focus on farms that sell at farmer's markets, restaurants, and schools. Details on American Farmland Trust's website here.
• Island County Economic Development Council COVID-19 Resources Page - Small business grants up to $10,000 available.
• USDA Rural Development Office COVID-19 Financial Assistance Resources - Business & housing assistance.
• Crowd-Sourced list of current financial resources available to farmers here

Farm Food Safety Resources

• Washington State University Extension has a Produce Safety contact who is willing to take your questions and post answers for all farmers to benefit on the Produce Safety Website. Faith Critzer can be reached by email with the subject line "COVID-19 Question" at faith.critzer[at]wsu.edu.
• Washington Dept. of Agriculture's Farm Safety Guidance for COVID-19
• COVID19 Safety Protocols for Food Distribution
• CSA Guidance during COVID-19 from University of New Hampshire Extension Service  

Farm Marketing Resources

• Whidbey Island Grown is mobilizing to support local farmers and producers in providing fresh food and value-added products to Whidbey residents. For more info. or to get involved contact foodhub@whidbeyislandgrown.com. Learn more here.
• Slow Food Whidbey Island is sending out updates to members about local south end businesses. Contact them to get your farm or product on their update list.
• Washington State Farmers Market Association COVID-19 resources and the upcoming market season can be found here
• Northwest Agricultural Business Center is working hard for farmers in our region - connecting farmers with buyers and consumers with food. ​

Other Agricultural Partner Resource Pages

• WSU Extension Food Systems COVID-19 Resource Hub  
• Washington Dept. of Agriculture's COVID-19 Resource Page for Small & Direct Farm Marketing
• Washington Young Farmers Coalition has a comprehensive page of resource links for farmers both locally and nationally

  

Farm & Ag Assistance

One of the core services that WICD is proud to provide is support to agricultural producers and rural acreage landowners. Whether that’s creating a farm plan so a small dairy can get it’s Grade A certification, providing financial assistance for a horse manure composting structure, or providing resources about cover cropping to a farmer, WICD is committed to helping Whidbey Island’s thriving rural community.

In WICD’s farm planning and agricultural assistance process, our staff can provide you with a wide range of resources and expertise, including phone consultation, resource handouts, site visits to your property, farm plans, and in some instances, financial assistance. Click here for an overview of the farm planning process.

You don’t have to be a commercial farming operation to take advantage of our services.  We are a free service available to all landowners on the island. WICD’s farm planners work closely with you to identify your land use goals and objectives and provide no-cost, non-regulatory technical assistance to help you achieve those goals. We don’t regulate or report, and your participation is always voluntary.

There are many benefits to implementing conservation best management practices (BMPs) on your property, both as a commercial farmer and as a private landowner, including reduced chore time, improved water quality and livestock health, increased crop productivity, and less mud. Committing to establishing BMPs on your property may qualify you for financial assistance through WICD’s cost-share program.

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If you are ready to start the farm plan process or have a resource concern, contact our office at (888) 678-4922 or fill out the form below.

Request Assistance

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We can help you with resources, information and project support, even if you aren't ready for a farm plan. Let us know what resources you're looking for by filling out the form below.

request resources

Click a Tab Below for More Resources:

Farm planning RESOURCES

Farm Planning Resources

WICD farm planners are available to assist you in implementing conservation planning on your farm or rural property. Take a look at some of our top farm-focused resources below, organized by topic. Not finding what you're looking for? Feel free to give our office a call and ask to speak with one of our farm planners at (888) 678-4922 for tailored resources and assistance.

Getting Started on Your Farm

• TIPS Guide to Puget Sound Rural Living
• 10 Ways Conservation Districts Can Help You
• Puget Sound Conservation Districts Small Acreage Farm Services
• Open Space Taxation Act - Tax Incentives for Ag Land
• Planning the Future of Your Farm
• ​Small Scale Solutions for Your Farm - NRCS

Soil Testing & Soil Building

• Building Soils for Better Crops
• Soil Sample Collection Guide
• Soil Test Interpretation Guide
• Introduction to Web Soil Survey Resources
• Soil Fertility in Organic Systems 
• ​Home Gardener's Guide to Soils & Fertilizers
• Pasture Fertilizer Guide
• ​Small Farm Composting Guide
• ​Soil Testing & Soil Improvement Resource List

Pasture Management & Grazing Systems

• Pasture Calendar for Oregon & Washington
• Designing a Grazing System
• Pasture & Hayland Renovation
• Haymaking on the Westside
• Common Grasses, Legumes & Forbs of Western WA & OR
• Fall Pasture Management
• Late Summer - Fall Pasture Tips
• Pasture Fertilizer Guide
• ​Pasture Weed Control

Cover Cropping & Crop Rotation

• Cover Cropping Compilation from WSU & OSU
• Cover Cropping Introduction
• Crop Rotation on Organic Farms
• Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Weed Management

• ​​Noxious Weed Disposal
• Island County Noxious Weed Control Board
• Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
• Pasture Weed Control
• Protect Your Horses & Livestock from Toxic Plants
• ​See also Noxious Weed Bulletin page for more resources

Livestock Management

• WSU Extension Livestock Advisor Program
• ​Managing Small Acreage Horse Farms
• ​Livestock Resources for Small Farms - OSU
• Sheep & Goats Resources
• ​Poultry & Rabbits Resources
• Beef Cattle Resources
• ​Dairy Resources
• Pigs/​Swine Resources
• Commercial Fishing, Crabbing & Clamming Resources
• ​Matching Hay Quality with Animal Nutrient Requirements
• ​Integrated Parasite Management for Livestock
• Living on the Land - Pasture & Livestock Essentials
• Living on the Land - Winter Livestock Care
• ​WSDA Livestock Disposal Manual

Mud & Manure Management

• Mud & Manure Management Resources for Small Farms
• ​​Managing Small Acreage Horse Farms
• Sacrifice Areas
• Track Paddocks

Insect Management & Pollinators

• Farming with Pollinators
• Pollinator Habitat Assessment Guide for Organic Farms
• Pollinator Plants of the Maritime Northwest
• Managing Insects on Your Farm
• Insect Management Handbook
• Bee Precaution Pesticide Ratings​

Irrigation & Water Management

• Drip Irrigation for Your Yard & Garden
• Irrigation Management Online Tool

Weather Data & Planning

• WSU AgWeatherNet

Agricultural Resiliency

• Agriculture Resilience Factsheets from Snohomish CD
• Agroforestry Factsheet
• Silvopasture Factsheet
• Agroforestry: Enhancing Resiliency in U.S. Ag Landscapes Under Changing Conditions
• Savanna Institute Agroforestry Resources

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Renewable Energy Programs & Resources for Farms

• USDA Rural Energy for America Program
• ​Puget Sound Energy Resources​

HoRSEKEEPing RESOURCES

Horsekeeping Resources

WICD farm planners are available to help assist you in the planning and implementation of conservation measures for your horse farm. Check out our top resources for horse owners below and visit our Horsekeeping webpage. If you aren't seeing what you're looking for, give our office a call and ask to speak with one of our farm planners at (888) 678-4922 for tailored resources and assistance.

Getting Started​ on Your Property

• Tips Guide to Puget Sound Rural Living
• Managing Small Acreage Horse Farms
• Six Steps to Improve Your Farm
• ​Horse Resources for Small Farms - OSU

Pasture Management

• Pasture Management Guide for Horses
• Five Tips for Spring Pastures
• Pasture Calendar for Oregon & Washington
• Fall Pasture Management
• Late Summer - Fall Pasture Tips
• Designing a Grazing System

Mud & Manure Management

• Sacrifice Areas
• Track Paddocks
• Mud & Manure Management Resources for Small Farms

Livestock Health & Wellness

• Protect Your Horses & Livestock from Toxic Plants
• ​​Livestock Resources for Small Farms - OSU
• ​Matching Hay Quality with Animal Nutrient Requirements
• Integrated Parasite Management for Livestock

Livestock Disposal

• WSDA Livestock Disposal Manual

State & FEderal Agricultural Assistance Programs

State & Federal Ag

​Assistance

There are many organizations of both regional, state, and federal designation that supply agricultural services and assistance to farmland owners. Peruse the list below to learn more about each organization and its benefits to you as an agricultural producer and farmland owner.

• Natural Resource Conservation Service   
• Farm Service Agency

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United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service is a federal agency with field offices located throughout Washington state to assist in voluntary conservation on rural lands. NRCS offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Through these programs, the agency approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help save energy, improve soil, water, plant, air, animal and related resources on agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land. Below are a sampling of the financial assistance programs available to rural landowners on Whidbey Island. Click on the link for each program to learn more, or subscribe to receive financial assistance updates directly to your email by visiting here.

Financial Assistance to Rural Landowners

• ​Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. EQIP may also help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by (1) undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. Under CSP, participants are paid for conservation performance: the higher the operational performance, the higher their payment. CSP is available on Tribal and private agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land in all 50 States and the Caribbean and Pacific Islands Areas. 

Easement Opportunities for Partners in Rural Communities

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps American Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land.

• Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is to assist landowners, on a voluntary basis, in restoring, enhancing and protecting forestland resources on private lands through easements, 30-year contracts and 10-year cost-share agreements.

Whidbey Island's closest USDA NRCS field office is in Mt. Vernon. 
Office Phone: (360) 428-7684
Office Address: 2021 E. College Way, Suite 214, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273

The Washington State Farm Service Agency serves the agricultural community through 25 county USDA service centers and one state office, located in Spokane. The Washington FSA State Committee and locally-elected county committees provide producer input to federal farm programs. FSA helps to ensure a stable food supply for the nation by supporting American farmers. This is accomplished through the implementation of farm programs authorized by Congress. The programs currently carried out in Washington State are categorized under: Conservation, Disaster Assistance, Price Support, Farm Loans, and Energy Programs. To learn more about the FSA's services, visit the Washington State Farm Service Agency website.

• Rural Development Office   
• ​Office of Farmland Preservation

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USDA's Rural Development Office is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The office offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services, and supports loans to businesses through banks, credit unions, and community-managed lending pools. Additionally, technical assistance is offered through the office to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve operations effectiveness.

To learn more, visit the USDA Washington State Rural Development office website.

​The Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP), a program within the Washington State Conservation Commission, works to address the rapid loss of working farm and forest lands in our state. They do this through:

• Support and sponsor agricultural conservation easements.
• Assist localities as they develop and implement measures to retain agricultural lands.
• Provide resources to assist with the transition of farmland and related business from one generation to the next.
• Provide data and analysis on trends impacting farms in Washington.

To learn more, visit the Office of Farmland Preservation website.

• Washington Dept. of Agriculture   
• WorkSource Washington

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​The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has been serving the state's agriculture community and the public for more than 100 years. The mission is: Through service, regulation, and advocacy, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) supports the viability and vitality of agriculture while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. The nature of WSDA's work falls into three categories:

• Service - Our expertise is recognized as a valuable resource. Services asked for and paid for by industry include quality inspections, certification, laboratory testing and produce grading.
• Regulatory - We offer guidance, workshops and technical assistance to support education for better compliance. Regulatory work includes registration, licensing, permits, inspection, investigation and compliance support.
• Advocacy - We work to raise the profile of Washington's agricultural products and industry. Through policy, planning, partnerships, outreach and promotion, we can be a voice, catalyst and facilitator for a viable industry.

Visit WSDA's website here for access to more information and resources.

• Puget Sound Energy   
• Other Resources

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Did you know that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offers free energy upgrades for your farm and agricultural business? If you are looking to cut your energy bills, you should consider visiting PSE's website to learn about the services available at-no-cost to you at www.pse.com/sbdi. ​​

Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) - The Agricultural Marketing Service is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture and has programs in five commodity areas: cotton and tobacco, dairy, fruit and vegetation, livestock and seed, and poultry. These programs provide testing, standardization, grading and market news services for those commodities, and oversee marketing agreements and orders, administer research and promotion programs, and purchase commodities for federal food programs. Visit the AMS website.

ATTRA National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA is a program developed and managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). NCAT is a private nonprofit organization, founded in 1976, which manages a series of projects that promote self-reliance and sustainable lifestyles through wise use of appropriate technology. Its programs deal with sustainable and renewable energy, energy conservation, resource-efficient housing, sustainable community development, and sustainable agriculture. ​Check our ATTRA's National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website.  ​

Better Ground -Better Ground is about taking small stewardship actions at home and in our communities to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife, and related natural resources. "Better Ground" is an effort to increase conservation outcomes in the Puget Sound region and to enroll more citizens in conservation efforts. It's a collective initiative of your regional Puget Sound Conservation Districts, a group of 12 trusted agencies who help you find solutions for your backyard, farm, forest, or property within your community - and all for free! Visit the Better Ground website.

Farmers.gov - Farmers.gov provides farmers, ranchers, private foresters, and agricultural producers with online self-service applications, educational materials, engagement opportunities, and business tools to increase efficiency and productivity while preserving and fostering long-held traditional relationships between local USDA offices and producers. Visit the Farmers.gov website. 

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) -
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities. There are some great resources for farmers on the NSAC Publications page.

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) - Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education is a competitive research and outreach program that advances sustainable agriculture across the whole of American agriculture. SARE is administered through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and is run by four regional councils of producers, researchers, educators, and government representatives that set SARE policy and make grants. Successful SARE grantees are producers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, and educators engaged in projects that simultaneously address the three "P's" of sustainability:

• Profit over the long term;
• Protection of the land and water; and
• People (communities) who depend on agriculture. 

Web Soil Survey (WSS) - Web Soil Survey provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), it provides access to the largest natural resource informatino system in the world. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation's counties. The site is updated and maintained online as the single authoritative source of soil survey information. Visit the Web Soil Survey website. 

​WorkSource is a statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit agencies that provides an array of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Washington. Customers access services electronically through WorkSourceWA.com or through a network of more than 60 WorkSource centers, affiliates and connection sites. Here in Washington state, WorkSource helps thousands of farmworkers find jobs and connect with important community resources. To learn more, visit the WorkSourceWA Farmerworkers Resources page.

COUNTY TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR FARM LANDOWNERS

Washington Dept. of Revenue &
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Island County Assessor Dept.


​Open Space Agriculture Program

The Open Space Taxation Act, enacted in 1970, allows property owners to have their open space, farm and agricultural, and timber lands valued at their current use rather than at their highest and best use. The Act states that it is in the best interest of the state to maintain, preserve, conserve, and otherwise continue in existence adequate open space lands for the production of food, fiber, and forest crops and to assure the use and enjoyment of natural resources and scenic beauty for the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens.

The Open Space Taxation Act provides three classifications for lands qualifying for current use:

• Open space land
• Farm and agricultural land
• Timber land

For farm land owners, the "Farm and agricultural land" designation may be of interest to learn more about, as if it qualifies, you could receive a current use valuation of your land, versus your highest and best use valuation.

The Open Space Current Use Ag designation - "farm and agricultural land" - is administered by the Island County Assessor's office. To be eligible to apply for farm and agriculture status under this program, RCW 84.34, there are specific acreage and agricultural income requirements for your land.. Click here to learn more specifically about these requirements and to see if your property qualifies.

To be directed to the Island County Assessor Current Use Exemptions page, where you can access application forms, continuance forms, and other resources, click here.

Current Use Farm and Agriculture Contact at Island County:
Nicole Wheat
Current Use Appraiser
​n.wheat@islandcountywa.gov
(360) 678-7853

Island County Planning Dept.

​Public Benefit Open Space

​ Rating System

The Public Benefit Open Space Rating System is part of the Open Space Taxation Act, too, and is administered by the Island County Planning Department. As shared above, the Open Space Taxation Act, enacted in 1970, allows property owners to have their open space valued at their current use rather than at their highest and best use. The Act states that it is in the best interest of the state to maintain, preserve, conserve, and otherwise continue in existence adequate open space lands for the production of food, fiber, and forest crops and to assure the use and enjoyment of natural resources and scenic beauty for the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens.

Island County Code Chapter 3.40, in addition to state law, governs the Public Benefits Rating System (PBRS) program in Island County. To have your property enrolled in the PBRS program, visit the Island County PBRS homepage by clicking here.

​To be eligible to apply to PBRS, a property must be at least five (5) acres in size and contain at least one (1) open space resource. If a property includes a residence, a minimum of one (1) acre of the property, inclusive of the home-site, will not be eligible for PBRS enrollment. Read the reference guide below to learn more about open space resources. Unlike the Farm and Agriculture classification administered by the Island County Assessor, there are no income requirements for this program, rather, what open space elements are present on the property contribute to a point value that ultimately leads to a specific reduced valuation if your application is accepted. 
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• Click here to view the PBRS application packet.
• Click here to view the reference guide that accompanies the PBRS application packet.

Public Benefit Rating System Contact at Island County:
Jonathan Lange
Long Range Planner
j.lange@islandcountywa.gov
(360) 678-7821

Tansy Schroeder
Planner - Land Use/Shoreline
t.schroeder@islandcountywa.gov
(360) 678-7822

Additional Resources for Whidbey's Rural Landowners & Farmers

Are you a beginning farmer? Visit our Beginning Farmer page for resources on land access, funding, and more.

Horse and livestock owners, check out our Horsekeeping page for more information about district services and resources. 

For support and resources on farm product marketing and community building, visit our Agricultural Community page.

Get involved in the farm community through the Whidbey Growers Association, a group of the island's farmers, producers, landowners, and ag-supporters who meet monthly for a potluck, educational presentations, and networking opportunities. Be sure to sign-up on the Growers Association email list and follow the new Facebook page for upcoming event info and resources. Strengthening the small farm network on Whidbey is essential to preserving its success in the future, so please consider being part of that network!