Information for Farmers

Supporting local farmers

 is a major priority for the Gleaning Project and the Pierce County agricultural community. We want our local farms to thrive and succeed by selling all produce - volunteers only step in to harvest or cull produce farmers cannot sell or use. Working with the Gleaning Project can clear a field for an additional planting, harvest excess to allow for additional fruiting (as with squash and beans), or cut the amount of residual organic material tilled under. Additionally, all produce is donated to local foodbanks and meal sites. We know how hard farmers work, and we do our best to support our partners and make the donation process easy and mutually beneficial.
Arlene picking peas

Simplicity:

Gleaning volunteers can work with your schedule. Whether you need rejected produce culled, a whole pallet picked up, or multiple fields harvested with 30 volunteers, we will work with you to find the easiest way to remove your excess. The coordinator can also check in via phone or email throughout the season at the farmer's convenience.

No Liability:

Farmers that work with the Gleaning Project are not liable for potential damage from their crop or to volunteers. Produce donated through the Gleaning Project is covered by the Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and volunteers are covered by Pierce Conservation District insurance.

Public Outreach:

We encourage volunteers and community members to support our partner farms. Hosting gleaning events on your farm strengthens community connections and visibility.

Get food to those in need:

We donate all harvested and culled produce to the emergency food system. If a farmer is willing, we like to allow volunteers to take home one serving of produce each to taste what they harvested! 

Tax Write Off:

All farmers receive a donation receipt which can be used as a tax write off.

Click here to donate your crop

or contact us directly by emailing ChrisM@piercecd.org or calling 253.845-9770