We are PCC Farmland Trust: a 501 (c)(3) land trust whose mission is to secure, preserve and steward threatened farmland in the Northwest, ensuring that generations of local farmers productively farm using sustainable, organic growing methods. The Farmland Trust takes its mission one step further than most land trusts by working to place farmers on rescued property, actively producing food for the local community.
By preserving land for organic farming, PCC Farmland Trust is not only safeguarding local organic farms and conserving wildlife habitat, but is also supporting the continued livelihood of local farmers and the farming community, and increasing the availability of local, fresh organic foods. The Farmland Trust helps create community and fosters a sense of partnership between the people who grow food and the people who eat it.
Is PCC Farmland Trust a part of PCC Natural Markets?
No. Although PCC Natural Markets is a strong advocate of our work, PCC Farmland Trust is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations to the Trust are 100% tax deductible. PCC Farmland Trust was founded in 1999 by PCC Natural Markets as an independent organization, with a separate Board of Directors and offices. And while the great majority of our funding comes from individual contributions, there are a few ways you can support us while shopping at PCC Natural Markets, including our vendor program, Farmland Trust merchandise, and in-store beer and wine specials that support the Trust each month.
How does PCC Farmland Trust save farmland?
The Trust’s primary mechanism for securing farmland is to purchase conservation easements. These easements are written by the Trust, restrict development, and guarantee organic agricultural use in perpetuity. In the past, the Trust has also purchased title and conservation easements and leased the property back to the farmer. If you are interested in learning more about how the process works, or our pioneering efforts in the area of organic agricultural conservation easements, please see our easement reference page.
How do I support PCC Farmland Trust?
First and foremost, please donate to support our work – no donation is too big or too small. Supporters can also contribute through voluntary payroll deduction programs and through company matching gift programs. Others make gifts in honor of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, holidays, and in honor or memory of family and friends.
Donors also have a number of opportunities to deepen their commitment to the Farmland Trust, including our monthly Growing Circle, our Farmland Sustaining Circle, and planned giving through our Agrarian Circle.
Please visit our “Ways to Support” page for more information.
Since its inception, the Trust has saved four farms totaling 550 acres:
“Contributing to PCC Farmland Trust is a way to participate in the recapture and preservation of what once was ours: local farms growing healthy, organic food.”
-William Appel, former PCC Farmland Trust Board member
97-acre Delta Farm in Sequim, farmed by Nash’s Organic Produce
174-acre Bennington Place Farm in Walla Walla, farmed by Thundering Hooves, a sustainable grass-fed meat operation
179-acre Ames Creek Farm in Carnation, farmed by Full Circle Farm, and Growing Things Farm
100-acre Orting Valley Farms in Pierce County, farmed by Little Eorthe Farm, Crying Rock Farm, and Tahoma Farms
