2024-2025 Workplan
ARCIC’s two-year workplan takes 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 hopeful for a collaborative partnership with elected officials and department leadership and staff.
1. Meat Processing Facility & Resources Shortage
ARCIC’s meat processing survey, conducted in February/March 2024, drew 79 responses from both those that are currently producing meat/poultry and those who would do so with more processing availability.
Thanks to a grant received from the Western Washington Food Partnership Program, ARCIC’s meat processing team is working with an assigned technical advisor—Jake Fay of the Northwest Agricultural Resource Center (NABC)—to do a feasibility study exploring options to provide local meat processing on Whidbey Island. Our survey results will form the basis for this study.
Take Our Meat Processing Survey: Although our survey is closed, we would still like to hear from you and will keep you updated on the project.
2. Food System Plan
We are very pleased that Island County’s Public Health Department recently recommended, successfully, to the Board of County Commissioners that the development of a Food System Plan be included in the 2025 update to the Land Use Element of Island County’s Comprehensive Plan. There are still several procedural issues to be sorted out, including funding for such an effort, but this is a positive first step.
The broader education and advocacy efforts of ARCIC for such a plan—combined with an existing interest in food system planning by key health department staff—were instrumental in getting support in a timely and efficient manner.
Food system planning takes into account all aspects of growing, producing, processing, and distributing food in a region. Also included in a good plan are aspects of climate change mitigation, emergency preparedness, and food availability and distribution channels for our most vulnerable community members.
ARCIC looks forward to being an active partner in this process moving forward. We are fortunate in that three neighboring counties released their own food system plans in 2023— San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom—providing models and resources to build upon.
3. 2024-2025 Island County Comprehensive Plan Update
Island County is conducting a periodic update to its comprehensive plan to help shape growth in the county over the next 20 years. ARCIC is working to provide input into the agriculture sections of the Land Use, Natural Resources, and Economic Development elements. Please join us in making our voices heard!
Stay Informed: Sign up to receive email updates here about the update from the Planning Department.
Share Your Input Online: The county is taking public comments seriously and sharing them with decision makers. Visit their public comments page to share your thoughts and suggestions regarding agriculture and our local food system.
Public and Written Comments: Attend meetings of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Planning Commission. The BOCC meets every Tuesday at 10 am and both public and written comments are welcome. Particiption guidelines available here. The Planning Commission meets the first and third Wednesdays at 6 pm, with the same participation guidelines as the BOCC.
4. Navigating Food Safety Regulations
Island County’s Public Health Department is working on ways to improve the implementation of its food safety program. Measures under consideration include improving communications, adjusting unrealistic timelines for a rural community that lead to compliance difficulties, and helping find alternative solutions to prevent financial hardship for small food businesses. Food Safety staff have stated their interest in finding solutions and working with farmers, restaurants, and other food related businesses to address their concerns, while still upholding required food safety regulations mandated by the state of Washington.
Marian Myszkowski of ARCIC is a new member of Island County’s Community Health Advisory Board (CHAB), representing the interests of agriculture and value added food businesses. Please email marian@goosefot.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding food safety and permitting.
5. The Economic Impact of Our Local Food System
We believe our agriculture community and food producers provide economic benefits above and beyond those listed in publicly available sources. Marian Myszkowski and Marie Shimada joined the board of the Economic Development Council (EDC) in Fall 2023 and ARCIC served as an active stakeholder in the EDC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Island County. Once the results from the CEDS and from the USDA’s Farm Census are available for review, we will establish a more detailed workplan on this topic.