NEWS

100 ACRE FARM LAND PRESERVED

By: Jill Wasberg June 16, 2009

The Orting Valley Farms is a partnership between Pierce County, PCC Farmland Trust, and private organic farmers to preserve a productive 100-acre farm currently consisting of ten parcels.

The farm will be secured by combining parcels and establishing conservation easements that remove development rights and allow five farmers to each purchase a portion of the property and establish working farms at a reasonable cost.

The Puyallup River valley and this farm in particular is facing increasing pressure to develop for residential use. Located on the Puyallup River and in agricultural production since the late 1800s, the farm has highly productive prime agricultural soils, excellent farm-to-market access, water rights, irrigation systems, and infrastructure.

Orting Valley Farms includes 4 home sites, 3 with barns and agricultural facilities. The property is priority habitat for White River Elk, includes Copeland Creek and is located in an open space corridor that is a continuum between Mt Rainier National Park and Commencement Bay.

The proposal is supported by adopted County policies to preserve threatened farmland and improve the agricultural economy for local farmers. PCC Farmland Trust, whose mission is to secure and preserve farmland in Washington State and transition it into organic production, was started by PCC Natural Markets.

The proposal is accompanied by interested and eager organic farmers and a $25,000 contribution from the PCC Farmland Trust to assist with administrative costs.

The farm properties are located southeast of the City of Orting on Orville Road. Main home sites include: 21018, 21108, and 21415 Orville Rd E.