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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Island County
The county falls within the Willamette and Puget Sound Valleys (MLRA 2) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 27.6 inches per year. January lows average around 36°F while July highs reach about 73°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 377 farms in Island County, operating across 17,038 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 45 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Puget Sound |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Horses, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Island County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2005 E College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Island County Operations
Based on Island County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs protect agricultural land from development pressure on these rapidly growing islands. Marine water protection practices focus on preventing nutrient runoff into sensitive Puget Sound waters.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Island County: Jefferson County, Washington, Kitsap County, Washington, San Juan County, Washington, Skagit County, Washington, and Snohomish County, Washington. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Island County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Washington guide: Washington Farm Programs Guide
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