Focus on Farming conference brings together Snohomish County agricultural community

For 20 years, Snohomish County offers an annual forum that brings together farmers, educators, government officials, producers, and researchers with the goal of improving the agriculture community.

“Focus on Farming and Forestry Conference” takes place Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Evergreen State Fair Park in Monroe. The one-day conference will benefit everyone from a new grower to a multigeneration farmer.

“We’re so excited to welcome the agriculture community back for our 20^th conference,” said Linda Neunzig, Snohomish County Agriculture Division Manager, in a press release. “Not only do attendees get to spend the entire day learning among their peers, but they get to eat a delicious meal prepared by Chef Russell Lowellmade with local ingredients.”

In a follow-up interview Neunzig described the event that took place the year before first conference. Back then, it was a meeting between county employees, government officials, and farmers to see how to improve agriculture in the area.

The following year, the first Focus on Farming Conference took place. The first keynote speaker, agricultural economics professor John Ikerd, was tapped to speak. He is scheduled to return during the 2025 conference talking about how agriculture has evolved over the past 25 years.

“I think it’s more viable,” Neunzig said in a telephone interview about the current state of farming in Snohomish County. “We see more people coming into agriculture.”

She said more first-time farmers are making the jump into agriculture and more produce is being produced for the local community, and she said the relationship between the county and the agriculture community is a partnership.

Agriculture census data from 2002 and from 2022, compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture, shows there are fewer farms but more acres being used for farming in Snohomish County.

In 2002, ag census data shows 1,574 farms comprising in 68,612 acres in Snohomish County. By 2022, there were 1,418 farms comprising 73,324 acres in Snohomish County.

Focus on Farm and Forestry include sessions about new and beginning farming, livestock production, business management, agritourism, flower farming, forestry and more. Neunzig also highlighted a session about tea growing and production.

In addition to Ikerd, Eric Snodgrass will be the lunchtime keynote speaker. Snodgrass is an atmospheric scientist who will present his winter weather outlook in western Washington.

“I’m deeply grateful to all who work in farming and forestry. You do so much for our communities, our food security, and our economy every day,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said in a press release. “I will continue to support sustainable farming and forestry in our region. I look forward to many future opportunities for Snohomish County to work alongside farmers and foresters during our next 20 years of planting ideas and harvesting success.”

Click here for more information about the Focus on Farming and Forestry Conference and to register.