Advocating for and strengthening our local food system
Our Vision
A vibrant, resilient, and economically sustainable food system and agricultural community in Island County.
Our Mission
ARCIC advocates, educates, and builds connections to support Island County’s farmers, ranchers, food processors, and other agricultural entities.
Organic Farm School students with their bountiful harvest. Photo by Judy Feldman
The Need
As island communities, improving our local food security and resiliency must be addressed. Food distribution issues experienced during the pandemic, floods and droughts in important agricultural regions, the potential for earthquakes, and an understaffed ferry service, point to the need to keep Island County’s agricultural economy healthy and growing.
South Whidbey School Farm students monitor the health of their crops.
Our Goals
Serve as a resource for the Island County agricultural community to share concerns and opportunities regarding agriculture and food production in Island County.
Help to implement projects or studies of direct benefit to our farmers, ranchers, and other food producers.
Work with and provide recommendations to elected officials and Island County departments on regulatory, land use, economic, and environmental matters that affect local agriculture and food production.
What does a “vibrant, resilient, and economically sustainable food system & agricultural community” look like?
A diversity of farmers, ranchers, and value-added food producers.
An extended growing season with a wide mix of products.
Protected farmland and opportunities for farmers to find and afford land.
Sufficient infrastructure for storage, distribution, and processing.
Effective marketing channels, such as food hub, farmers markets, grocery stores, etc.
Integration of food distribution and food access non-profits
(food banks, Meals on Wheels, etc.) with our local farming community.
A regulatory landscape that encourages, facilitates, and supports the production and distribution of all types of agricultural products.
For more information on ARCIC, please contact:
Shannon Bly | shannon@whidbeyislandgrown.com
Marian Myszkowski | marian@goosefoot.org
Marie Shimada | mariefshimada@gmail.com
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