Kent Farm, funded by the USDA, is more than just a plot of land; it’s a place where community and agriculture meet. As one farmer put it, “We are a bag of sand or a bag of dirt—no matter how important you think you are, we are all just dirt.”- This simple truth guides the work done here.
Kent Farm partners with the Food Invasion Network and the FAAC Group, operating as a non-profit organization. Despite this status, they do charge for well water and certain services. However, the education and workshops they offer on farming are invaluable, empowering farmers to cultivate their land and sell their produce at the local market under the Kent Farm label. The profits go directly to the farmers, supporting their efforts to sustain themselves and their families.
Farmers at Kent Farm typically manage plots ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 acre and can stay on the farm for up to three years. During this time, they gain essential skills, particularly in producing and conserving crops like eggplants—learning how to wash, chop, and freeze them to extend their shelf life.
The farmers market
sells produce, including nightshade varieties, at the local farmers market, which is held once a week with around ten stalls. They’re making strides to get into local schools and provide fresh food to kids.
The farm, overseen by the King County Department of Natural Resources, has been instrumental in securing food grants that help make fresh, locally grown produce accessible to the community. Many involved in the farm’s efforts, like those who got their start through AmeriCorps VISTA, are passionate about making a difference
