For Immediate Release
July 20, 2016
Contact: Kent Patton
Kent.Patton@snoco.org
425-388-3883
425-330-1858 (mobile)
Historic Snohomish County Farm Protected For Future Generations
Everett, Snohomish County—Snohomish County and the PCC Farmland Trust announced that they have preserved one of the most historic farms in Snohomish County, the Bailey Family Farm. Through an innovative “Purchase of Development Rights” program, the Bailey Farm will now be protected for agricultural uses in perpetuity.
In 1913, A.M. Bailey purchased 52 Acres in the Snohomish river valley. For the last 103 years, the farm has been responsibly stewarded by 5 generations of the Bailey family. Now, thanks to PCC Farmland Trust and Snohomish County the farm will remain in production for many generations to come as a result of the Purchase of Development Rights program. Through this program, 270 acres of the Bailey farm have been permanently protected, keeping the land in farmland production without the pressures of development.
“We value local food production and our agricultural heritage in Snohomish County,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “By protecting this working farm, we ensure that our county maintains its distinct heritage and our agriculture industry continues to thrive.”
For nearly 80 years, Bailand Dairy operated on the farm. Today, Holstein cows graze along the hillside in springtime, while silage corn grows below. In the summer months, community members work the 40-acre U-Pick garden, leaving with buckets of cucumbers, strawberries, green beans, and peppers. Come October, kids ride wagons through the pumpkin patch and chase each other through corn mazes. Year round, Bailey sells high-quality, aerated compost. Even today, four generations of the Bailey family can be found working and playing on the farm.
“We are so honored to partner with such a well-loved and deeply respected family in the Snohomish County agricultural community,” said Rebecca Sadinsky, Executive Director, PCC Farmland Trust. “Our protection of this iconic farm lays the foundation for PCC Farmland Trust to conserve more valuable farmland in Snohomish County in the years ahead. The collective generosity that made Bailey Farm’s conservation possible goes beyond a commitment to our healthy, local food supply -- it's helping change the map in this region for the better.”
Agriculture in Snohomish County is a $139.5 million dollar industry with more than 1,400 farms. Food security remains a key driver, as does consumer demand for local products. Snohomish County agriculture is very diverse, including: large, high-tech dairy farms; conventional and organic produce; orchards serving farmers markets, restaurants, and wholesale; grass fed beef, lamb, and pork; and large forage and grain production.