Submitted by South of the Sound Community Farmland Trust
South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust (SSCFLT) is looking for individuals who are passionate about local agriculture, healthy food, and preserving farmland to be active members of the SSCFLT team.
SSCFLT works to preserve local farmland and support local farmers by publication of a Direct Sales Farm Map, purchase of small farm equipment that can be rented for a nominal cost, and speaking up for the agriculture community’s future needs. Through these efforts we contribute to a sustainable small agricultural industry, the local economy, and preserve our region’s farming heritage for future generations.
SSCFLT is looking for individuals willing and able to donate time and energy towards furthering sustainable local agriculture. In addition to attending required board meetings (occurring on the 2nd Thursday of each month), board members are asked to participate in at least one committee and take part in any major SSCFLT fundraiser/educational events throughout the year.
Applicants must be members of SSCFLT, support the goals of community farmland preservation and the organization, meet with several current Board members and have attended at least two Annual or Board meetings. The organization is particularly seeking individuals skilled in community outreach, fundraising, banking, and/or legal issues related to farmland preservation.
For more information please download our Board of Directors Job Description. To be eligible for a director’s seat you must submit the Board Member Questionnaire by March 12th, 2014. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting on April 11, 2014.
This past year SSCFLT and Heernett Environmental Foundation/Creekside Conservancy (HEF/CSC) announced acquisition of 147 acres of farmland located near Rochester, Washington in south Thurston County. About 60 acres of the farm has been long-term leased to Kirsop Farms, a local organic CSA and market farm. As a funding partner for the project, Kirsop Farms also owns the historic house and dairy barn and several other farm buildings on the property. By the spring of 2014, a local nonprofit, Enterprise for Equity, will lease ~33 acres for a “farm incubator” new farmer education and training program. Heernett Environmental Foundation will preserve and restore wildlife and salmon habitat on their 48 acre portion of the farm which borders the Chehalis River.
In addition to our Scatter Creek Farm and Conservancy project, SSCFLT is currently working through the due diligence steps required to acquire and preserve on behalf of local non-profit Garden Raised Bounty (GRuB), just over an acre of urban agriculture land that GRuB currently leases. SSCFLT is also exploring further opportunities to acquire and long term lease farmland to farmers, to keep the land in agricultural production for the benefit of our community.
For more information please contact the Pat Labine, SSCFLT Clerk, at oysterbayfarm@comcast.net or 360-866-9424
