The Port Townsend Food Co-op is proud to announce the distribution of $79,276 in Farmer Fund Grants to twelve farms across East Jefferson County. These grants will help local farmers invest in critical infrastructure, equipment, and projects that improve food security and sustainability in our community. From mobile chicken coops to vacuum packing machines and wheelchair-accessible garden beds, these grants ensure that farms can grow, innovate, and continue providing fresh, local food to the region.

"We are thrilled to support these hardworking farmers who play a vital role in our community’s food system," said Kenna Eaton, General Manager of the Port Townsend Food Co-op. "These grants are about more than just funding projects; they’re about resilience, sustainability, and ensuring that local food remains accessible to everyone. Supporting small farms strengthens our local economy, protects farmland, and improves food security for generations to come."

About the Farmer Fund Grant Program

The Farmer Fund Grant Program is made possible by donations collected from Co-op members and shoppers from January through September each year. Every fall, local farmers and food producers apply for funding to support projects that will enhance their operations, increase production, and improve food distribution in Jefferson County.

The Co-op’s Community Engagement Committee, made up of three board members, two members-at-large, two Co-op staff, and a committee chair, carefully reviews each application. This year, the committee evaluated 43 applications with grant requests ranging from $1500 to $75,000.

"Choosing recipients is no easy task," said Andrea Stafford, Committee Chair. "Every application represents a farm working hard to provide food for our community, and we take our responsibility seriously. Through rigorous discussion and a scoring process, we aim to distribute funds in a way that maximizes impact. This year’s grants will make a tangible difference for these farms, and we hope to grow the fund even more in 2026 to support additional projects."

The committee granted two full grants and ten partial grants to local farms ranging from $1,500 to $15,000, with funding going toward farm infrastructure, storage solutions, equipment purchases, and accessibility improvements. Farms receiving grants for 2025 are; Chimacum Valley Dairy, Food Bank Gardens, Friends of the Trees Botanicals, Gray Fox Farm, Kodama Farm and Food Forrest, Midori Farm, Mystery Bay Farm, One Straw Ranch, Red Dog Farm, Salish Coast Production and Learning Garden, Spring Rain Farm and Orchard, Woodbridge Farm,

We want to wholeheartedly THANK our community for donating to the Farmer Fund in Support of Local Farms! We couldn’t do it without you!

Grant opportunities will be available again in fall of 2025.

The Port Townsend Food Co-op is committed to expanding the Farmer Fund and continuing to support small farms, sustainable agriculture, and food resilience.

Learn about the Farmer Fund program: https://www.foodcoop.coop/farmer-fund