PRESS RELEASE - Economic Development Council of Mason County awarded USDA funding
March 12, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Shutty, Executive Director, 360-426-2276
Economic Development Council of Mason County awarded USDA funding
The Economic Development Council of Mason County (EDC) has been awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Promotion Program to support local farmers and producers. The EDC was one of three organizations in Washington and 43 nationwide selected to implement its Market-Ready Mason project, which will strengthen producer capacity and expand consumer access to local products.
“This project was developed after meeting with farmers and producers last year and learning how the EDC can support their work,” said Executive Director Kevin Shutty. “Mason County has a proud farming history that has made countless contributions to our community and economy. This funding allows us to build the capacity we need to better serve local markets and farmers and help them thrive.”
Funding will provide training, technical assistance, and stakeholder coordination to help producers expand market access and community engagement. The project includes a feasibility study for new marketplace models, such as night markets, connects producers with institutional buyers, and expands outreach to elevate local markets. Designed as a model for rural food system development, the project will strengthen farmer participation, improve food access, and build on Mason Matters partnerships to expand access to healthy, locally sourced food.
“Mason Matters is excited to support this initiative and build on our previous work done to strengthen local food networks and provide healthy, locally grown products to Mason County residents. Farmers play an important role in helping ensure people have access to healthy food, especially those struggling with food insecurity. This project will help give our community the tools we need to tackle that and other issues together,” said Julie Knott, Executive Director of Mason Matters.
The Market-Ready Mason project was made possible by financial support from Mason Matters, Choice Regional Health Network, and Jeff Slakey and KMAS radio, and developed in partnership with Mason Conservation District, WSU Extension, the Kitsap-Mason chapter of the Washington Farm Bureau, the Thurston Economic Development Council, and the Evergreen Coast Regional Partnership Economic Development District.
Mason EDC is a non-profit committed to creating a strong economy and thriving community.
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