News From Your Friends

Join us for our upcoming forum: Preserving Farmland and Local Food Access in Clark County

February 28, 2024 in Climate Change, Comprehensive Plan & Growth Management Act, Events & Fundraising, Farmland & Forests, Local Food Systems

Forum Date and Time: March 14th, 2024 from 5 – 6:30 pm Pacific Time

Location: Remote Only via Zoom; Register on Eventbrite 

Join Friends of Clark County for a panel discussion on the importance of preserving farmland and access to local food in Clark County. Farmland is being lost throughout the United States, but Clark County is outpacing the national average. From 2017 to 2022, we saw a 38% loss of land in farms in Clark County. Additionally, we know that we must address impacts to our global food systems from the climate emergency by building resiliency through local food production, as well as supporting farmers in adapting to the changing climate. As we approach Comprehensive Planning over the next 2 years, we must come together to address this community challenge.

During this 90-minute remote session, we will hear from a group of esteemed panelists: Dani Madrone, the Pacific Northwest Policy Manager for the American Farmland Trust; Sue Marshall, a Clark County Councilor representing District 5 and a farmer; and Zorah Oppenheimer, the Executive Director of the Clark Conservation District. Facilitated by Ann Foster, President of Friends of Clark County and manager of the Salmon Creek Farmers Market, the panel will discuss strategies and policies that protect farmland, the importance of local food systems, and how residents can help during this important time in our county.