See the following links on how to start a cooperative:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/cir4514.pdf

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/cir27.pdf


Contact Person regarding Ag related issues in Snohomish County

• Linda Neunzig, Ag Project Coordinator, 425.388.7170, for Focus on Farming annual education conference, Evergreen State Fair Ag Display, agricultural business planning and development, farming education services and farming legislation.
  
  The County works hand-in-hand with the farming community to increase county farmland, improve farm productivity and profitability. Planning and permitting processes are streamlined to better meet farming timelines.
  
  Programs such as the following are generating results. Agriculture Action Plan (AAP), Snohomish County Agriculture Economic Development Action Team Report (SAEDAT) and the latest undertaking, the Agricultural Sustainability Project (ASP) Report – all build upon prior successes.
  
  
  
  

Ag Business and Industry Links

        Local/County

• Northwest Agriculture Business Center
• Snohomish County Tourism Bureau
• Washington State University Snohomish County Extension
• Snohomish County Cattleman’s Association
• Western Heritage Center
   
• Snohomish County Focus on Farming website - current announcements, job postings, message board, Centennial Farms and information on farming events.
• Permitting applications, Roxanne Pilkenton, Planning Development Services, 425.388.2731. Permit application submittals by appointment only. Call 425-388- 3311, x2790. Online appointment click here.  
• Agricultural Advisory Board - serves as an advisory body to the County Executive, County Council, Planning Commission, and Hearing Examiner on the County Comprehensive Plan, agriculture regulation and other agricultural policy matters
  
  Region/State
• Washington Farm Bureau
• Washington State University, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
• American Farmland Trust
• King County Agricultural Program
• Cascade Harvest Coalition
• Organic Seed Alliance
• Puget Sound Fresh
• North American Farmer Direct Marketing Association
• Northwest Integrated Pest Management
• Snohomish Conservation District
• Tilth Producers of Washington
• USDA Farmer Direct Marketing
• USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
• Washington State University Skagit County Extension

        Federal

• United State’s Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Farm Service Agency (FSA)