Agricultural Production
Farmers. Ranchers. Orchardists. Foresters. Thank you for growing the food and fiber we need to survive and thrive. We’re here to help you care for Okanogan County's natural resources and agricultural economy.
Our conservation planners can assist with planning, implementation, and in some cases, funding for projects like:
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livestock watering systems
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grazing management
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range inventory
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irrigation and energy efficiency
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forest thinning
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pollinator habitat
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coordinated resource management
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facilitating Salmon-Safe Certification
Contact us even if your concern isn't listed here. We'll help you find the resources you need. Are you trying to reach NRCS or the Farm Services Agency?
Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP)
In 2011, Okanogan County chose to participate in the Voluntary Stewardship Program, an incentive-based alternative approach to the Growth Management Act (GMA). VSP has two primary objectives: protect critical areas on agricultural land and maintain and improve the long-term viability of agriculture. VSP is NOT a set of new regulations; its purpose is to focus and maximize voluntary incentive programs that already exist. Participation is voluntary and the program only applies where agricultural activities and critical areas overlap.
Okanogan County stakeholders completed a VSP Work Plan which was approved by the State of Washington Conservation Commission in 2018. The plan offers a locally driven, grassroots approach to managing interactions between critical areas and agricultural activities, rather than 'one-size-fits-all' regulation. See the plan here. Also available: Okanogan County VSP Biennial Report. For more information, email us.
The Salmon Safe ecolabel provides market recognition to farms that promote healthy ecosystems. Okanogan CD is working with Salmon Safe to facilitate certification for agricultural producers in Okanogan County.
The watershed view of land management means that you don’t need to own a salmon stream, or even border a water body at all to be eligible. Salmon Safe supports the idea that sustainable land management of all habitat types has a positive contribution to water quality improvement and habitat protection. Salmon Safe supports and recognizes those who strive to make their downstream impact a positive one.
For more information, contact Mindy Untalan. You can also visit the Salmon Safe website, salmonsafe.org/certification/farms/ to learn more about the certification process and requirements.