Snohomish County Food and Farming Center coming to McCollum Park

Snohomish County plans to establish a $60 million Food and Farming Center in McCollum Park, designed to bolster local agriculture and food security. The center will serve as a processing and distribution hub for farmers and include a year-round indoor farmers market. Agriculture Office Manager Linda Neunzig emphasized the county's robust farming sector, citing a 31% rise in new farmers between 2012 and 2017. The FFC aims to alleviate financial barriers by offering necessary processing infrastructure on a rental basis. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first phase set for completion by late 2028.

The project will require the removal of a swimming pool and possible renovations of existing buildings in the park. Nearly $15 million in funding has been secured, with additional grants being pursued through public-private partnerships. Community engagement is encouraged through an online survey, open until November 10.