Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) delivered a $5 million ceremonial check for the Food & Farming Center in Snohomish County. DelBene secured the investment in the FY24 federal funding law.

Farmers in the region often lack resources to process and sell their products, and consumers struggle to access locally grown food. The Snohomish County Food & Farming Center will provide local fruit and vegetable farmers with equipment and infrastructure for processing, aggregation, and distribution. Plans for the center also feature a commercial kitchen and an indoor farmers market to aid consumers in purchasing locally grown produce. This funding will help Snohomish develop and build the center. In addition to the $5 million that DelBene secured in the FY24 federal funding law, she also secured $750,000 for the project in FY23.

Following the presentation of the ceremonial check, DelBene held a listening session with Snohomish County farmers at Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm to hear about the problems they’re facing. Producers discussed disaster preparedness, workforce challenges, land use policies, and infrastructure funding. 

“Our region is home to a strong local farming community,” said DelBene. “We must make sure we are looking out for our farmers and provide them with the tools they need to successfully operate their farms and share their wonderful locally grown produce. As farmers face unprecedented challenges from high fuel and fertilizer costs, Trump’s tariffs, and a weak economy, federal funding will aid Snohomish County in supporting them and further developing this project.”

“Snohomish County has a long legacy of family farms that have fed our community for generations, when the new Food and Farming Center opens it will secure this legacy for future generations,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “I am grateful to Rep. DelBene and our federal delegation for their partnership and collaboration to fund this important investment to support farmers and food security at a challenging time.”

DelBene secured over $18 million for 15 community projects across Washington’s 1^st Congressional District in the FY24 federal funding package. Only non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities are permitted to receive funding.

More information about the project can be found here.