FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle, Washington | On September 1, 2020, the nonprofit land trust founded by PCC Community Markets announced a new name: Washington Farmland Trust.

Since 1999, the organization has grown and evolved to meet the shifting needs of Washington’s farming communities. Today, after a thoughtful process that involved gathering community feedback and reflecting on the most urgent needs of farmers, the organization shares a new name and brand that serves as an exciting marker of the broadened impact they hope to have across the state.

The announcement aligns with the rollout of Washington Farmland Trust’s latest strategic plan, providing direction towards its long-term vision for the next 20 years: to sustain a future for farming in Washington. Though the Trust has always been a statewide organization, they are reexamining how and where they show up across the state in order to have the most meaningful impact on Washington’s land and farmers.

“When PCC Community Markets founded our organization 20 years ago, the biggest threat to farmland was urban sprawl,” says Melissa Campbell, Washington Farmland Trust’s Executive Director. “Today, the urgency of climate change, historic and current inequities in accessing land, and a global pandemic only add to the pressures that farmers face. As we look toward the future, we believe it is imperative that we respond to these many threats by forging new partnerships, expanding our service area, and growing our programs. All along the way, we’re committed to deep learning and reflection to be sure our goals align with the most pressing needs of our communities.”

After providing two decades of brand recognition and visibility and millions of dollars in cash support, PCC Community Markets remains the organization’s founder and an active supporter of Washington Farmland Trust.

“Over the last 20 years, we have been honored to serve as the founder and lead business donor of this incredible organization,” said Brenna Davis, PCC Community Markets’ VP of Social and Environmental Responsibility. “Today, as PCC Farmland Trust becomes Washington Farmland Trust, we are more committed than ever to advance their efforts to protect organic farmland, advance organic practices, and provide land access to farmers from underrepresented groups – aligning with the co-op’s strategic priorities.”

Support Washington Farmland Trust’s work by joining them for a virtual benefit concert on September 30, Love the Land. Learn more at wafarmlandtrust.org.

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Media Contact: Judith Austin | jaustin@wafarmlandtrust.org | 206-618-1376

Washington Farmland Trust protects and stewards threatened farmland across the state, keeping land in production by making it accessible to future generations of farmers. Founded in 1999 by PCC Community Markets, the Trust is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust.