Saving organic farmland forever takes talent, heart and community.
by Stephanie Taylor, Director, Farmland Fund
This article was originally published in August 2005
(August 2005)
The Delta Farm in Sequim, Wash. was the first farm saved by the Farmland Fund in 2001. Contributors to the Farmland Fund helped master farmer Nash Huber rescue 100 acres from development. Nash now runs an apprentice program to help the next generation of farmers learn and grow and get a start on the future.
As Nash says, “without access to land, young people who want to farm have no future.” The Farmland Fund helped provide a home for the crew that brings fresh produce with the Dungeness Organic Produce label to PCC.
Above: Harvest crew at the Delta Farm: Juan, Carlos, Miguel, Chris, Ishmiel, Nestor and Paciano.
Left: Paciano and Kia from the Delta Farm.
Far left: PCC spring work party.
Photos by Kia Kozen.
Southwest of Walla Walla, Bennington Place is the second farm saved by the Farmland Fund. Most of its 174 acres was certified organic in February 2005 — the last piece of pasture will be organic next spring. Certification is the first step for the Huesby family to begin raising organic, grass-fed livestock. The Huesbys also raise pastured poultry in an open, natural and low-stress environment.
“People are one of the resources of a given place,” Joel Huesby says, “just like sun, water, air, soil, plants and animals.”
Upper left: Joel and Cynthia Huesby.; Right: Two cows from Bennington Place.; Left: William Huesby collecting eggs. Photos by J.R. Anderson
From “In Praise of Fertile Land”
Edited by Claudia Mauro, Whit Press, this book is a unique, non-profit publishing project with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Farmland Fund. Available for $12.95 at all PCC stores.
For the Love of Earth
I will wade out
till my thighs are steeped in
burning flowers
I will take the sun in my mouth
and leap into the ripe air
Alive
— E.E. Cummings
The PCC Farmland Fund works to secure and preserve threatened farmland in Washington State and move it into organic production. The fund is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that is separate from PCC Natural Markets and exists by independent donations from contributors. Visit the PCC Farmland Fund Web pages or contact the Fund at 206-547-9855 or email farmlandtrust@pccmarkets.com