In the fall of 2005, the Board of County Commissioners established an Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC). ARC's mission is to advocate for the restoration of agricultural resources in San Juan County. To accomplish these goals, ARC members are organized into task groups on priority issues under the following program areas:

• Farmland Preservation
• Farmer Enrichment

Powers and Duties:

1. Report to and advise the County Council (formerly known as the Board of County Commissioners) about regulatory, economic, land use, environmental, and educational matters so as to support and promote viable agricultural activities in San Juan County.
2. Advise the County Council on specific efforts and projects that should be pursued to preserve and restore agriculture as a viable part of San Juan County's economy.
3. Work with other ARCs or similar groups in the North Puget Sound region to develop regional support for common issues that will benefit a broad segment of agriculture, and develop agricultural policies, programs and projects that can be duplicated and implemented in other North Puget Sound communities.
4. Address local and regional agricultural issues that relate to threatened or endangered species and their habitats, and implement programs and create public dialogue around the need to protect the environment and preserve the viability of local agriculture.
5. Address local and regional agricultural issues that relate to economic development, job retention and expansion and, recommend policies and implement programs that will retain, expand and diversify the economic viability of local agriculture.
6. Identify food security needs and recommend policies and implement programs to increase the availability, distribution and consumption of locally-produced foods across all economic sectors of the population.
7. Encourage public participation in evaluating and developing agricultural policies, programs and projects.
8. Provide public outreach regarding the linkages between viable farms, local foods, and the rural landscape that attracts both residents and visitors to the islands.

Role and Expectations of Committee Members:

The Agricultural Resources Committee is dedicated to achieving the protection and restoration of the agricultural resources of San Juan County. Local farmers and organizations associated with agriculture have identified the Agricultural Resources Committee as a priority in advancing this sector of our economy and community. Committee members have an important advisory responsibility in County government to help ensure the viability of farming.

The role of the Committee is to:

• Meet monthly (except June-August)
• Advise the County Council on recommended policies, projects, and programs that should be pursued
• Establish subcommittees as needed to conduct its business
• Consult in the hiring of the ARC Coordinator
• Implement programs as resources become available
• Help identify sources of additional support
• Work with other similar committees in the North Puget Sound Region

Committee members are expected to:

• Regularly attend monthly committee meetings
• Serve and be active on at least one subcommittee
• Engage in public outreach activities on behalf of the ARC
• Recommend information for the ARC website
• Help identify new member prospects as vacancies develop

The Committee is comprised of five to fifteen voting members, of which 50% must be farmers. Other voting members typically represent local farmers markets, the local Granges, and restaurants. In addition, there are four non-voting members representing the Economic Development Council, Health and Community Services Department, the County Land Bank, and WSU Extension. Committee members are appointed by the County Council for staggered four-year terms.

Those interested in becoming a member of the ARC are required to write a letter of interest to the County Council for consideration for an appointment to the Committee. Please contact the current Chair of the ARC for any additional information or questions on 378-6122, or arc@sanjuanislandscd.org.

Approved by the ARC on March 27, 2007