South of the Sound Community Land Trustby Karen Bert Once upon a time, the south Puget Sound area had a thriving farming community. The rich volcanic soils and temperate climate fostered a healthy dairy industry, poultry and vegetable farms and orchards. Unfortunately, as local farmers were forced out of business by competition from corporate agribusiness, skyrocketing land prices and property taxes, much of this priceless farmland was paved over to make way for suburbs, tract housing and generic strip malls. The little tillable land left is often priced out of the reach of anyone who wants to operate a farm or orchard. One solution that both protects farmland and provides a venue for economically successful small farms is an agricultural land trust. South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust (SOS CFLT) is dedicated to preserving working farmland in the south Puget Sound area. The founding members of the Trust include area farmers, community activists, and public sector representatives who firmly believe that a small scale farming base is essential to the community sustainability and economic and environmental health of our region. By securing farms and removing them from the speculative market, the Trust will provide ongoing economic opportunities for farmers and farm-dependent enterprises in rural areas, and will make a contribution to a local food base for the region's population. In addition, the organizers of the Trust are committed to sustainable agricultural practices, a policy that results in long-term productivity of the land, safer working conditions for farmers, and a healthier end product for consumers. The SOS CFLT has received a $600 grant from the Community Sustaining Fund, a portion of which has been used to apply for nonprofit status, and has been selected by the Greater Thurston County Community Foundation for support this year. The next developmental step will be an outreach campaign, membership drive and fund-raising activities, including a raffle to be held at the Olympia Farmers Market. Once a suitable property is acquired, the land will be held in trust, protected from development. SOS CFLT will make long-term leases available to local farmers for small-scale agriculture and farm-dependent economic enterprises at the site. Potential lessees could include a small dairy, beekeeping operations, row crops, fruit orchards, herb farms and poultry operations. In effect, Trust land could operate as a business incubator for farmers who find tillable land for start-up enterprises beyond their reach. Community support is vital for the success of such an ambitious project. Memberships are currently available, and volunteers are very much welcomed. Look for a SOS CFLT booth at the Farmers Market, and watch for the upcoming raffle, which will include various farm-related prizes such as produce, an herbal wreath and other locally produced items. For more information please contact: Karen Bert, SOS CFLT Coordinator, 866-0692. Karen Bert is a staff writer for the Green Pages.
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