Floods inundated nearly 1/3 of King County's farmland

King County officials are estimating that approximately 30 percent of the county’s 48,000 acres of farmland were inundated by flood waters in December.

“This event turned out to be way more than we thought it would be coming in,” said John Taylor, Department Director for King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. He was speaking at Thursday’s King County Agriculture Commission meeting that talked about flood impacts.

He added that in 13 years he hadn’t seen an event where all rivers were at Phase 4 at the same time. The White and Green rivers were at Phase 4 for several days and there were levy breaches in Pacific and Tukwila.

King County reported that most of the initial responses for damage came from agricultural production districts in the Snoqualmie River, Lower Green River and the Upper Green River, but officials expect to learn about losses in agricultural areas throughout the county. With some areas seeing standing water for two weeks, farms experienced vehicle and structure losses as well as damage to wells and water systems.

Damage included the loss of above-ground crops – winter squash, kale, Brussel’s sprouts, and greens couldn’t be harvested due to contact with flood waters. Because of the mild fall and winter, many farmers were expecting an extended harvest season and late-season revenue is often critically important for farms’ profit margins, according to information presented during the meeting. Larger farms anticipated harvests until significant freezing weather.

Early-season crops, such as garlic and tulip bulbs, are total losses, said Richard Martin, manager at King County’s agriculture, forestry and incentives unit during the meeting. Berry producers and hay growers also experienced damage. He added flower growers are reporting the greatest losses, and some farmers are considering buyout programs.

Overall, 396 people reported impacts from December’s floods that went from Dec. 8 through Dec. 22 with an estimated $7.82 million in structures losses and $8.91 million in personal property losses.

In addition, 62 businesses reported impacts or disruptions from the floods. Businesses lost $10.5 million in inventory and equipment, $5 million in profit, $3.8 million in structure lost and 1,336 lost business days, according to information presented during the Agriculture Commission meeting.

Patrice Barrentine, agriculture policy and project manager for King County, offered suggestions for farmers to move forward. They should document losses, complete the King County survey for Business Damage reporting, and examine the King County Flood Recovery Resources Page.

For repairs and recovery, farmers should contact their insurance companies first. Then they should reach out to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to register and apply for relief programs. They should also research grants and loans and contact the King County Agriculture Program for assistance.

“We are happy to help you find the resources you need,” Barrentine said during the Agriculture Commission meeting.