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Supporting local farms during COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 has had far-reaching impacts, and the measures needed to contain the virus have already put significant pressure on our regional food and farming systems. The abrupt closures of restaurants, schools, farmers markets, and other institutions translate to a loss of critical markets and revenue for many local farmers. Below are a few ways consumers can help support local farm businesses during this challenging time, as well as specific resources for farm businesses that are struggling. Please share!

For consumers

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares are becoming available for many local farms, and businesses are working quickly to adapt to new health and safety guidelines by launching online stores, providing no-contact pick-up options, and more. Having an infusion of cash early in the season helps set farmers up for success with planting crops, especially during a time where many restaurant contracts have been lost. Below are a few of our protected farms with CSA or online store offerings:

This list is not comprehensive, and if you have edits or additions, please contact us. In the meantime, you can find out more about how to buy from your favorite Seattle Farmers Market vendors while many markets are closed, or find a local farm in your community via the Tilth Farm Guide.

For farmers

Webinars on farm resilience and adaption:

Emergency funding:

Additional business resource directories:

  • Resources from Washington State
  • Resources from the Washington State Department of Agriculture
  • Resources compiled by Washington Young Farmers Coalition
  • Resources compiled by Washington Farm Bureau