The Pierce County Farm Advisory Commission has been changed to the FARM Advisory Board. This Board is confirmed in Pierce County Code 2.81.

The Pierce County budget for 2007 established and funded a Farming Assistance, Revitalization, and Marketing (FARM) program. Managed out of the WSU Pierce County Extension office, the FARM program will be an umbrella organization to funnel all agricultural related issues, programs and communications and act as a coordinating office connecting farmers to other agencies/organizations and the public for the preservation and promotion of the long-term viability of farming. The program will provide technical, regulatory and marketing assistance to farmers, promote the benefits of consuming locally grown produce, and act as coordinating office connecting farmers with other local farming support agencies and organizations.

The new FARM Advisory Board will be available to offer guidance and recommendations on how to implement the FARM program. The FARM Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Council and Executive on agricultural policies and programs, including, but not limited to:

• Assisting in the development of the FARM Program;
• Reviewing and making recommendations regarding existing and proposed legislation and regulations affecting commercial agriculture;
• Monitoring and making recommendations concerning land use issues as they impact agriculture;
• Providing input and recommendations for Purchase and Transfer of Development Rights programs, Conservation Futures program, and Current Use Assessment issues as they relate to agriculture;
• Assisting in fundraising for agricultural programs such as Harvest Fest;
  Providing advice on ways to maintain, enhance and promote agriculture and agricultural products in the region;
• Acting as a sounding board and opportunity for public comment on agriculture issues; and
• Developing recommendations on a food policy for Pierce County.

The FARM Board will play a significant role in implementing the Pierce County Agriculture Strategic Plan, a plan that outlines in detail strategies to make the local agricultural industry more competitive. Strategies include a Purchase/Transfer of Development Rights program, public outreach and education efforts, and the creation of a Food Policy program.

There are currently 15 members of the FARM Board. Agriculture representatives include: Dick Carkner (Chair), Chris Wilcox (Vice Chair), Claude Gahard, Tim Kennedy, Dale Maris, Carolyn Mayer, Richard Meyer, Cheryl Ouellette, Tim Richter, Peter Stanley, and Janice Wharton. Ex-oficio members include: Olga Fuste (Director, WSU Extension), Monty Mahan (Manager, Pierce Conservation District), Rob Allen (Pierce County Economic Development division) and Brynn Brady (Pierce County Planning and Land Services).

The FARM Board holds regular meetings the fourth Monday of every month at WSU- Puyallup, Allmendinger Center, 7612 Pioneer Way, from 5-7 PM. The Board may hold special meetings outside of the regular meeting date.

For more information, Contact: Olga Fuste, Director WSU Pierce County Extension, ofuste@co.pierce.wa.us, 253-798-7180 or Brynn Brady, Pierce County Planning and Land Services, bbrady@co.pierce.wa.us, 253-798-3667.