A new web-based resource aimed at helping King County farmers is among the new tools available as part of Executive Dow Constantine’s Local Food Initiative working to strengthen the local agricultural economy and improve access to healthy food.

“We want our local farmers to be able to compete in the marketplace,” Constantine said in a press release. “Launching this comprehensive information network will support farmers and agricultural businesses to succeed and bring more of our locally grown produce and products to kitchens and restaurants across the region.”

The new website, FarmKingCounty.org, is a multi-stakeholder collaboration full of information and technical resources – essentially providing a one-stop shop – focused on starting, operating and growing a successful farm enterprise.

Supporting the web-based resource is a network of technical experts to answer questions, help people navigate the toolbox, and connect them to organizations and service providers that can provide additional support.

This project supports the goals of King County’s Local Food Initiative, launched by Executive Constantine in 2014, which serves as a roadmap for strengthening the local food system and increasing access to healthy, affordable food.

Other early deliverables as part of the Local Food Initiative include improving access to land and water for farmers, and increasing access to fresh, local produce to families with limited financial resources.

Visit www.kingcounty.gov/exec/local-food to learn more about the Local Food Initiative, including a slide show that details many of the program’s accomplishments in 2015.

-from a press release