Farmer and Food Producer Input Needed

Survey will help determine direction for valley food hub

WALLA WALLA VALLEY – In 2018 the USDA awarded a $100,000 grant, with $33,566 in matching funds, to the Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) to evaluate options for creating a food hub for the aggregation, storage, processing and distribution of locally-produced agricultural products to local consumers in the Walla Walla Valley.

The planned food hub will complement many years of efforts by groups and individuals in the valley to develop a collaborative food cluster. Specifically, the project aims to obtain a warehouse, cooler, processing equipment and freezer space to produce more agricultural products for local and regional consumption, especially for institutions and retailers.

A team has been working to determine needs, roles, tasks and the potential service area for the food hub. Currently, the project is seeking input from food producers in the region via a survey. Farrmers and food producers can access the survey, which is due Jan. 25, at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WWFoodHubSupplierSurvey .

“This has the potential to invigorate small farms and businesses, create jobs and keep dollars circulating in our regional community,” said Shane Laib in a Downtown Walla Walla newsletter.