Whatcom Food and Farming Station
About the Whatcom Food and Farming Station
The Whatcom Food and Farming Station was established in 2025 with the purpose of providing a centralized location for agricultural research in Whatcom County. Research plots are available for a variety of researchers ranging from universities to private researchers and ag support agencies. While the catalyst for this project was an identified need for research to support red raspberry production, the Whatcom Food and Farming Station is also available for other crop types such as forage crops, seed potatoes, nursery crops, row crops, etc. The site is intended to benefit all aspects of agriculture in Whatcom County and the greater Puget Sound region.
While agricultural research is the primary focus of the Whatcom Food and Farming Station, support for the broader agricultural community and a viable agricultural economy is also highly valued. Opportunities may be available on site for education and events, food processing, cold storage, and/or retail marketing of locally produced agricultural products. Please contact us with individual requests.
Agricultural Research
Projects may range from a variety of focus areas including but not limited to pest & disease management, irrigation management, nutrient management, soil health, cultivar development, reduced tillage, and cover crop strategies.
While red raspberry research was the primary driver for this project, we encourage and welcome research proposals that benefit all agricultural production types such as forage crops, seed potatoes, blueberries, nursery crops, row crops, and more.
Special Thanks
Special thanks for this project is owed to the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Washington State. The Port of Bellingham purchased the historic Boxx Berry Farm in October of 2025 with the support of Economic Development Investment funding provided by Whatcom County as well as additional funds provided by Washington State. The Port of Bellingham has established a long-term lease to the Whatcom Food and Farming Station in order to facilitate agricultural research and support to bolster a long-term viable agricultural economy in Whatcom County and the greater Puget Sound region.