Urban Farm Feasibility Study

What’s happening?

The production of local food is a strong value in the Olympia Region, as evidenced by the success of the Farmer’s Market, local food organizations, initiatives by the Economic Development Council, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. With increasing populations, the loss of farmland to development and less people entering the field than are retiring, the challenge to grow and consume local, fresh, nutritious food is increasing - particularly for lower-income households.

Olympia Farmland Workgroup has recommended Olympia Parks conduct an Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study to look at opportunities to acquire land in the Parks system to be stewarded by community partners and dedicated to agriculture and education. The study will ultimately refine the vision, determine if an urban farm park is feasible within Olympia and the urban growth area and what resources and partnerships would be needed to sustainably operate an urban farm park.

What is urban agriculture?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) definition: “Urban agriculture generally refers to the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban settings, including things like vertical production, warehouse farms, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations. Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, provide jobs, educate communities about farming, and expand green spaces.”