OUR WORK

ARCIC’s work plans take into consideration: 1) pressing issues facing our farmers, ranchers, and other food producers; and 2) longer-term strategies to strengthen local food resiliency and the economic viability of our agricultural community.

While we are not officially affiliated with Island County government, we approach this work looking forward to a collaborative partnership with elected officials and department leadership and staff.

Fall 2026—2028 Work Plan

After a hiatus during peak farming season, ARCIC will reconvene in the Fall to focus on priority areas identified by farmers during Island County’s recent comprehensive planning process. (The 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update was adopted in June 2026.)

Primary attention will be paid to lessening the economic barriers faced by farmers and establishing a voice for the agriculture community within local government—perhaps through an advisory committee, ombudsman, or identified county staff person.

More information to follow soon.

ARCIC’s Participation in the Comprehensive Planning Process 2023-2026

ARCIC played a major role in advocating on behlaf of our farming community with the county during the comprehensive plan update process. We submitted formal comments and recommendations on the agriculture sections of the Land Use, Natural Resources, Economic Development, and Climate Change elements.

We were pleased that several of our recommendations were incorporated, including the addition to the county workplan of undertaking an Economic Impact Study of Agriculture in Island County in 2029. The entire document now presents a more up-to-date description of agriculture throughout the county, including the impact of our farmers on strengthening food system resiliency and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The growth and production success of small farms under 20, even 10 acres, is being acknowledged as well.

Milestones:

  • ARCIC Comments on Second Draft of Comprehensive Plan Update (February 4, 2026)
    Our review of the second draft further clarified and reinforced comments made on the July 2025 draft, supported by conversations with planning department staff.

  • ARCIC Comments on Draft Comprehensive Plan Update (July 21, 2025)
    Our first submission to the Island County Planning Department included general recommendations and a description of agriculture in Island County, in addition to comments on specific goals and policies in the four elements mentioned above.

  • Presentation to Island County Planning Department (February 19, 2025)
    ARCIC members Danielle Bishop (Ebey Road Farm) and Annie Jesperson (Deep Harvest Farm) presented the agricultural community’s recommendations and priorities gathered from the Farmer Town Hall.

  • Farmer Town Hall (December 5, 2024)
    Sponsored by ARCIC, we presented 13 recommendations to the current comprehensive plan that the American Farmland Trust (AFT) assisted ARCIC in developing. The 35+ farmers present provided feedback and went through a series of group exercises to set priorities.