Mission/Purpose/Objectives

Whatcom Farm Friends Goals & Objectives

Agriculture in Whatcom County needs and deserves a unified and powerful voice to protect and sponsor its interests. Whatcom Farm Friends is comprised of two companion non-profit organizations governed by the same board. Farm Friends focuses their Programs, Projects and Activities through the following Mission, Purpose and Objectives.

Read our accomplishments in 2011 in relation to these goals

Mission

To preserve and enhance agriculture as an important industry and to be a good steward of our natural environment through policy management, advocacy, business improvement, education and outreach.

Goal 1

Foster fair and fact-based public policies for the agricultural industry with respect to land, water, and labor.

Objectives

1. Ensure that all farmland has adequate access to legal water.

2. Ensure that all farmland has proper drainage, erosion control,
and flood protection

     3. Educate policymakers to ensure well reasoned agricultural
         policies that minimize the negative impact of regulations on
         farmers

     4. Preserve the necessary land base (100K acres) of productive
   farmland, while protecting the economic value to the farmer and
         ensuring a sustainable agricultural industry in Whatcom County.

Goal 2

Improve the economics of farm operations to assure sustainability and prosperity.

Objectives

1. Facilitate the creation of new profit opportunities for local
farmers.

2. Provide a structure for direct service programs for farmers.

     3. Facilitate the development of succession plans with farmers,
         and programs that assure the continuance of farming and
         farmland.

Goal 3

Build county-wide communities of support for agriculture.

Objectives

     1. Develop positive, productive relationships and partnerships
          with other agencies and groups such as other Ag partners,
          environmental groups, economic development groups, and
          higher education.

     2. Educate the general community about:
               a. Where our food comes from.
               b. Common misconceptions about farming.
               c. Farmers' role as environmental stewards.
               d. The value of Ag in our local economy.
               e. How Agriculture contributes to our quality of life.

     3. Advocate for the role of all Whatcom farms, large and small,
         in effectively and efficiently feeding the community and
         the world.

4. Build relationships between farmers and the general community.

5. Educate the farm community about what the broader community
expects of farmers.

Meet the Farm Friends Board

Meet the Farm Friends Staff

Please join us in supporting agriculture and our natural resources that help define the place we call Whatcom County.

Questions? Seeking more information? Click here to submit an inquiry or contact us at the phone number or email below.

Office: 360.354.1337
email: farmfriends@wcfarmfriends.com

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