Who We Are
In 1999, a small group of Root Connection Farm members gathered to find a way to save the CSA farm. They came up with an innovative solution: They bought the land. From this bold stroke emerged FARM LLC, a Washington State limited liability company dedicated to protecting local farmland and promoting sustainable farming.
Today, Claire Thomas, owner of the Root Connection, rents her land from FARM LLC and continues to provide fresh, organically grown produce for more than 500 families.
Shortly after purchasing the Root Connection property, FARM LLC bought the property next door, now the Living Legacy Community Ranch. With its two barns, meeting room, and office space, it soon became the hub of our education program. In January 2005, we sold the Ranch to Claire Thomas. The FARM LLC office remains at the LLC Ranch.
We purchased our third, and largest piece of property in November 1999--a 47-acre parcel on the corner of NE 124th St. and the Woodinville-Redmond Rd. Now known as The South 47 Farm, it's home to our U-pick fruits and vegetables, the Corn Maze/pumpkin patch, the Community Garden P-Patches, and our farmstand.
In addition, five farmers lease land from FARM LLC at The South 47 Farm. Famai Chang and Neng Vang grow flowers and vegetables to sell at the Pike Place Market. Claire Thomas grows vegetables for her CSA farm, the Root Connection Farm. Kelly Vancil and Brian Scheehser, executive chef at the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland, grow produce that ends up on the menu at the hotel's Trellis Restaurant. The Herbfarm Restaurant grows vegetables and herbs for its kitchen.
Guided by our mission statement, our goal is to protect farmland and promote sustainable farming, for the benefit of farmers and the community. We believe that, given the right resources, farming can be economically viable. We know, from our own experience, what a rich resource it can be for the community.
When you buy from local farmers, you not only help yourself to the freshest, best tasting, and most nutritious fruits and vegetables, you help support the local economy and help keep our green spaces green. Thank you!