Sustainable agriculture is a commitment to growing and distributing local food to meet the needs of current and future generations in a manner that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially just.

HumanLinks is working to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

• HumanLinks seeks to promote conversations and awareness about regional
  sustainable agriculture and its environmental, health and economic benefits.
• The foundation is working to activate public support for the permanent protection
  of our regional agricultural resource base and inspire deep appreciation of
  Washington's exceptional agricultural resources.

The HumanLinks Foundation supports the annual conference of the Tilth Producers of Washington, a membership organization of over 400 Washington growers. HumanLinks also helps local farmers through gifts. For example, for years seed money was provided for start-up of the Carnation Farmers Market. In addition, HumanLinks supported the Community Nutrition Program for Mothers and Children with the Spokane Farmers Market Association. In 2007, HumanLinks is initiating a micro-lending program.

HumanLinks is committed to fostering sustainable agriculture through the strengthening of the linkages between local farms, farmers and their communities and acts on its commitment to sustainable agriculture through its support of 21 Acres.

21 Acres, a non-profit organization, is designing and building a vital, open public space in the Sammamish Valley for people to rediscover the agricultural heritage of our region and connect with local farms and fresh, healthy, locally grown food. The 21 Acres site will help people learn about cutting edge sustainable agricultural, solar energy, and other environmental technologies that are vital to sustaining our community’s quality of life. On site will be a 17,000 square foot "Green Builing which will house a year-round farmers market, an agricultural learning center, a community demonstration kitchen and facilities to process and distribute farm produce to local cafeterias in schools and other institutions.

The initial purchase of the property was made possible with funding from the Humanlinks Foundation. 21 Acres is now in the fundraising phase to secure the additional $5.4 million needed to complete this project. For more information, please go to their website at: www.21acres.org  or visit the site in the Sammamish Valley, 25 minutes northeast of Seattle, Washington and just south of Woodinville. To arrange a tour of the site, please email generalinfo@21acres.org or call 206-442-2061.