The lack of affordable and accessible quality farmland in King County continues to be a major food system challenge. High pricing, combined with land development pressure, land speculation, urban sprawl, and land transfer challenges are significant contributors. 

To tackle these challenges, King Conservation District’s Regional Food System Program has launched a Farmland Access Strategic Initiative.  

This comprehensive five-year countywide program aims to expand equitable access to farmland by collaborating with the King County Farmland Access team and other partners to: 

  •  Build relationships with farmland owners to increase the supply of land available for lease or acquisition by farmers 
  • Develop mechanisms that support land transitions and active agricultural use 
  • Strengthen regional coordination among nonprofit and community partners 

KCD’s King Conversation District’s strategic initiatives address top priorities identified in the Local Food Initiative. In this case, the Farmland Access strategic initiative directly supports actions to protect and expand farmland access for local food production and to support producers as they build profitable, sustainable, and resilient businesses.  

This program will be led by Farmland Support Services, a consultant team selected for their deep experience navigating complex land access challenges in King County and across western Washington. Their work engaging landowners over the next five years will complement other programs and strengthen regional coordination.