The 2017 Pierce County Farm Forum is a great opportunity for local farmers to come learn, connect, and shape our local food system. The program will start at 9:00 a.m. with a breakout session before and after lunch. The two breakout sessions will have the following topics to choose from:
Challenges on the Horizon
to include the Hirst water well state supreme court decision , an update on the Agricultural Resource Land (ARL) zoning designation changes coming in 2017, changes in the FDA’s Food Safety and Modernization Act rules, and finding farm labor.
Tools to Keep the Farm in Farming
to include lending opportunities, conservation easements, estate planning, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service programs.
Drainage and Drainage Districts
to include a panel of commissioners from various drainage districts discussing their goals, challenges, and lessons learned, and a King County perspective given by the coordinator of the King Conservation District's Agricultural Drainage Program..
New Technology and Innovation
to include techie tools, on-line tools, and a farm to table case study (not confirmed).
Bruce Dammeier, Newly Elected Pierce County Executive, Will Share Some Thoughts as Our New Executive