Farm & Agriculture Assistance

One of the core services that WICD is proud to provide is support to agricultural producers and rural acreage landowners. Whether its providing a site visit, creating a farm plan so a small dairy can get it’s Grade A certification, seeking out financial assistance for a horse manure composting structure, or providing resources about cover cropping to a farmer, through our specialty in conservation planning, WICD has a unique niche in the community and is committed to helping the island's rural landowners thrive.

Agricultural assistance can mean many things. ​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,  referrals to other agricultural professionals, site visits to your property, and in some instances, farm plans, and financial assistance. Our planners follow the 9-step conservation planning process, a process created by Hugh Hammond Bennett and which continues to be directed by our conservation partners at the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. 
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. 

​Request assistance in the form below - and note that since we are a free and voluntary agency, many utilize our services and we often have a waitlist for these services.

Farm & Agriculture Starter Series

Are you fresh to the field of agriculture or ranching? Or are you wishing to get back in touch with some skills or resources you haven't seen for years? Not sure where to start? Look no further than our Starter Series - these three will get you started on learning about our conservation planning services, and our roles and yours in the planning process.
Learn more here.
Learn more here.
Learn more here.

Learn About Farm Planning on Video 

Learn about our Farm Planning services from Natural Resource Planner Kelsi Mottet and landowner Jessica Aws.
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Click to be redirected to a real-time opportunity to receive expedited and streamlined planning and financial assistance for your ag land. For eligible Whidbey Island producers only.

Farm & Agriculture 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. 
Agriculture in Island County Code
Note that if your property is located within an Urban Growth Area (UGA), such as a municipality like the City of Oak Harbor, Town of Coupeville, or City of Langley, then you will need to reference the municipal code for that UGA instead of this.
Working with the Conservation District
​Getting Started on Your Farm
Soil Testing & Soil Building
Pasture Management & Grazing Systems
Cover Cropping & Crop Rotation
Weed Management
Livestock Management
Mud & Manure Management
Insect Management & Pollinators
Irrigation & Water Management
Water Rights​
Weather Data & Planning
Agricultural Resiliency & Agroforestry ​
Renewable Energy Programs & Resources for Farms
Orchard Care
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. 
Agriculture in Island County Code
​Note that if your property is located within an Urban Growth Area (UGA), such as a municipality like the City of Oak Harbor, Town of Coupeville, or City of Langley, then you will need to reference the municipal code for that UGA instead of this.
Getting Started​ on Your Property
Pasture Management ​
​Soil Testing & Soil Building
Mud & Manure Management
Livestock Health & Wellness
Water Rights​
Livestock Disposal
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:
Kristina Mayhew
​Current Use Appraiser Interim 
Assessor.CurrentUse@islandcountywa.gov
(360) 678-7866

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 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. 
​
  • 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
Island County Planning Department Manager
j.lange@islandcountywa.gov
(360) 678-7821
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR FARMERS

COVID-19 Ag Information
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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
Financial Assistance Resources
  • USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program - for info on the program visit here. For regional assistance with the application, contact the FSA Mount Vernon Service Center: 360-428-7684 ext 2. 
  • 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
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
RESOURCES FOR BEGINning & TRANSITIONING FARMERS

Additional Resources

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

Are you a farmer or landowner with farmland transitioning out of agricultural production and looking for the next generation to lease and farm your land? Check out our Transitioning Farmer page for resources related to land transference, succession and estate planning, and more.

Horse and livestock owners, check out our Horse & Livestock Services 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 (WIGA). WIGA exists to provide a space for Whidbey’s farmers to get to know each other, to facilitate and foster an environment where differences of approach and opinion are celebrated, and where solutions may spontaneously be found, creative ideas take hold as the result of new conversations, and understandings of one another deepen to strengthen our farming social landscape. 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!

Ready to get started?

What to Expect When Requesting Assistance from the Whidbey Island Conservation District
  • Our services are free and voluntary, so lots of folks love to work with us, and we look forward to working with you! 
  • We have 2 staff who assist with satisfying client requests
  • We assist requests in the order that they are received
  • Please allow for 2 weeks for an initial reply
  • General info requests take approximately 1 month to respond to
  • New site visit requests to properties are on a 6-month waitlist currently
  • Farm, animal, and waste management plans are on a 1-year waitlist currently
  • Here is a list of directories and/or organizations which may be able to respond to your request sooner. We can not recommend private sector professionals as a government entity, so have included directories housed by other entities that are populated by the professionals themselves:​
Next Monthly Board Meeting:
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
9am - Noon
Agenda
Please contact us if you'd like to attend and we will send you the remote meeting information.

Board Monthly Meeting Details:
  • Board meetings are open to the public.
  • Learn more about our board supervisors here.
  • See this year's list of upcoming and past board meeting dates - click here to access.
  • Past meeting minutes & agendas can be found here.​
Connect with Us
Office Hours:
COVID-19 Response: Our office is currently closed to visitors, and our staff is working remotely. Please contact us through our
request form​ or the information below.
(mailing) PO Box 490
(office location) 1 NE 4th Street
Coupeville, WA 98239
360-678-4708
(email) wicd[at]whidbeycd.org
What to Expect When Requesting Assistance from the Whidbey Island Conservation District
  • Our services are free and voluntary, so lots of folks love to work with us, and we look forward to working with you! 
  • We have 2 staff who assist with satisfying client requests
  • We assist requests in the order that they are received
  • Please allow for 2 weeks for an initial reply
  • General info requests take approximately 1 month to respond to
  • New site visit requests to properties are on a 6-month waitlist currently
  • Farm, animal, and waste management plans are on a 1-year waitlist currently
  • Here is a list of directories and/or organizations which may be able to respond to your request sooner. We can not recommend private sector professionals as a government entity, so have included directories housed by other entities that are populated by the professionals themselves:​
  •