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:

• Bailey Farm | Snohomish | Organic compost delivery via online store
• Bright Ide Acres | Orting | Ethically raised chicken, pork, lamb via online store
• Five Star Farm | Oakville | Organic beef via online store
• Four Elements Farm | Puyallup | Organic blueberry u-pick pre-orders via online store
• Growing Things Farm | Carnation | Goat milk soap, balms, and salves via online store
• Helsing Junction Farm | Rochester | Organic veggies, eggs, cheeses, and other products via CSA
• Joel’s Organics | Walla Walla | Organic flour and grain via online store
• Jubilee Farm | Carnation | Veggies, meat, and other products via CSA
• Wild Hare Organic Farm | Tacoma | Organic veggies, eggs, and fruit via CSA

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:

• Farm Resilience During COVID-19 from Washington Young Farmers Coalition and others
• Online Sales Platforms for Farmers from Oregon Tilth

Emergency funding:

• Farmer Relief Fund from American Farmland Trust
• Good Farmer Fund from Seattle Farmers Markets
• Forgivable Payroll Loans for small businesses from the new Payroll Protection Program (in development)

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