[image: Futurewise] *Did you know that this month up to 75% of agricultural lands in Pierce County could be lost to future development? *This is coming at a time when farmers and agriculture businesses are looking to Pierce County to expand, and the market value of agriculture products has increased by $7 million since 2007. The County Council has before them a reasonable compromise proposal that calls for conserving the 31,000 acres currently being farmed or in Agricultural Resource Lands (ARLs). It’s important that the County Council votes to support this plan. Please join us in communicating to the Pierce County Council that farmland and local food is important for this region. The demand for farmland coupled with opposition to this proposal means we need your help! *Click here to email the Pierce County Council and let them know you support local farms.* <http://org2.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=8djiiNIG0Nnf92X5PWQ1mai3npxyAzIb> The Pierce County Council Community Development Committee will be listening to public comments on the ARL proposal on Monday June 8th at 5:30pm, and throughout the month. Together we can show the Council members the importance of agriculture in our county. Here's how you can get involved: *1. Attend the meeting.* *Pierce County Council MeetingMonday June 8th 5:30pm* Harbor Ridge Middle School 9010 Prentice Ave Gig Harbor, WA 98332 If you go, sign up to make a brief testimony. Here are some talking points: - Please fix the ARL problem now! - Protecting currently farmed properties is imperative for the future of our children, grandchildren and Pierce County as a whole. - There is an increasing demand for local foods. Keeping farmers in business increases the ability to provide food. - Support local food. Support local farmers. Support the 31,000 acre ARL proposal. *2. Send an email to Councilmembers today.* *Click here to email the Pierce County Council and let them know you support farmland* <http://org2.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=EskR6isNOnn3jq3pVWL4zqi3npxyAzIb> Together We Win, Amy Moreno-Sills Pierce County Education & Outreach Coordinator P.S. Effective messages are personal. Please take a few minutes to personalize your message before sending. *Click here to email the Pierce County Council now!* <http://org2.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=KR14GtQyZ9uywwNI7D69fqi3npxyAzIb> ------------------------------