Beginnings
February 9, 1999
It all began in 1999, when Nash Huber approached PCC Natural Markets with some disturbing news: the 97 acre farm adjacent to his own was in immediate danger of being sold and developed into small housing parcels.
Threatened Farmland
February 10, 1999
And this wasn’t just any farmland: because of Sequim’s unique climate and outstanding soils, farmland in the Dungeness Valley is among the most valuable in the world.
PCC Farmland Fund Founded
March 9, 1999
Fortunately, PCC Natural Markets rose to Nash’s challenge, and PCC Farmland Fund, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit was born. Jody Aliesan was appointed President of the Farmland Fund.
Delta Farm
February 9, 2000
In 2000, the Farmland Fund raises and borrows $600,000 in order to purchase the imperiled farmland. The Delta Farm is leased to Nash Huber and operated as Nash’s Organic Produce. Photo: Kip Beelman.
Bennington Place Farm
February 5, 2003
Also in 2003, The Farmland Fund is approached by Joel Huesby of Walla Walla, WA and 174-acre Bennington Place Farm, is saved. Photo: Alicia Guy.
The Farmland Fund becomes PCC Farmland Trust
January 5, 2005
PCC Farmland Fund’s name is changed to PCC Farmland Trust, and work continues on the next farm, this time closer to the Seattle metro area.
Ames Creek Farm
January 5, 2006
In 2006, 178 acre Ames Creek Farm is preserved. The property is farmed by Growing Things Farm and two other farmers. Photo: Alicia Guy.
Looking Ahead
March 5, 2007
In 2007, the Trust moves toward its current model of purchasing or holding agricultural conservation easements, in order to save more farmland, more quickly. Photo: Melanie Conner.
Rapid Growth
March 9, 2008
2008 is a very busy year! The Farmland Trust formalizes its Stewardship Program, begins holding regular farm tours, and creates the Future Farm Fund – money that is restricted to purchasing conservation easements on local farmland.
Orting Valley Farms
March 9, 2009
In 2009, PCC Farmland Trust preserves Orting Valley Farms, in collaboration with the Washington State Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) and Pierce County’s Conservation Futures program.
10th Anniversary
March 9, 2010
In 2010, work continues on several farm projects, planned giving, a new website, and our Local Chefs for Local Farms series.
Camelot Downs Farm
March 10, 2010
PCC Farmland Trust receives its first donated easement in the fall of 2010, for Camelot Downs on Whidbey Island, and its first bequest, which leads to the creation of our Stewardship Fund. Photo: Kip Beelman
Recognition
March 11, 2010
The Farmland Trust receives two awards in 2010: the Innovative Partnership Vision 2040 Award, from the Puget Sound Regional Council, and the Innovative Conservation Project Award from Forterra (formerly Cascade Land Conservancy).
Williams Hudson Bay Farm
March 9, 2011
In 2011, the Farmland Trust preserves its ninth farm, Williams Hudson Bay Farm, 300 acres near Walla Walla.
Tours & Shows
March 10, 2011
In 2011, the Farmland Trust held a KEXP-sponsored benefit show, led tours of Camelot Downs, Delta Farm, and held “Celebrate Organic!” a 3-farm tour of the Snoqualmie Valley. Photo: Becky Warner.
Drink Wine, Save Farmland
March 11, 2012
Beginning in 2007, Powers Winery generously donates $2 for each bottle of special PCC Farmland Trust blends sold at PCC, which results in over $100,000 worth of donations by 2012.
Looking to the Future
March 12, 2012
PCC Farmland Trust’s Board of Directors adopts a formalized 2012-2015 Strategic Plan that provides a vision for organic farmland preservation in the years to come, with concentration on the Puyallup and Snoqualmie Valleys. Photo: Melanie Conner
Jubilee Farm
March 13, 2012
Thanks to the vision of the Haakenson family, who farm Jubilee, and the combined resources of King County and the Trust, the entirety of this much-loved biodynamic farm will remain food-producing farmland for years to come. Photo: Dennis Lussier.
Reise Farm
March 14, 2012
In partnership with Pierce County, PCC Farmland Trust completes the purchase of the historic 120-acre Reise Farm, near the city of Orting. This project is an important land preservation success because of its location: the Puyallup Valley.
Accreditation
March 9, 2013
After an accreditation process lasting two years and involving extensive documentation and rigorous reviews, PCC Farmland Trust was officially recognized as a nationally accredited land trust.
Dropstone Farms
March 10, 2013
Because of Dropstone Farms‘ proximity to established farmland conservation and other nearby preservation opportunities, we’re beginning to form an “agricultural corridor” in the Puyallup Valley, providing all sorts of benefits. Photo: Maura Rendes
On the Farm
March 9, 2014
Our educational series On the Farm continues in 2014 with a diverse array of offerings, including yoga on the farm, birding, geology, films, and photography events.
Helsing Junction Farm
March 9, 2015
Over 3 years in the making, the preservation of Helsing Junction Farm wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of farmer Susan Ujcic, her husband Jared Snyder, farming partner Annie Salafsky, and Thurston County Conservation Futures. Photo: Maura Rendes
Shelstad Farm
April 1, 2015
In 2015, PCC Farmland Trust preserves Shelstad Farm in Pierce County’s abundant Puyallup Valley.
Harman Farm
October 1, 2015
Harman Farm is preserved, bringing the total farms conserved in the Puyallup Valley to seven.
Bailey Farm
December 1, 2015
To close out 2015, a Centennial, five-generation family farm is preserved in Snohomish – Bailey Farm.
Mountain View Dairy
December 21, 2016
In December 2016, PCC Farmland Trust closes on the largest farmland conservation project ever in Pierce County – the 284 acre Mountain View Dairy. Mountain View is the first successful project under the Farmland Trust’s new “Buy-Protect-Sell” conservation model.