Fishline will begin farming fresh produce in an effort to break down cost barriers to nutritious food in North Kitsap.
A statement from the community nonprofit announced Fishline signed a lease to farm two acres at Petersen Farm in Clear Creek Valley to help provide for North Kitsap communities facing food insecurity. The project marks the first farm lease at the 142-acre property since Great Peninsula Conservancy purchased the land in January 2025.
Petersen Farm has a long agricultural history dating back to the late 1800s.
In 2014, GPC protected the farm through a conservation easement and later acquired the property with plans to keep it in agricultural use while providing affordable access to land for farmers.
According to Fishline, the project is looking to build off of the success of the Swank Grow and Share Garden, where volunteers produce nearly 10,000 pounds of food annually on a quarter-acre site. Executive Director Charlie Thompson said expanding local food production is a practical way to improve access to healthy food as demand for assistance continues to grow.
To guide the project, Fishline has formed a task force made up of board members, staff, volunteers and agricultural experts. The group will explore opportunities for sustainable food production, education programs, volunteer involvement and community partnerships.
Fishline said the partnership between Fishline and GPC supports broader efforts to preserve farmland, expand access to agricultural land and increase the availability of locally grown food in Kitsap County.
“Growing food locally is about far more than produce — it’s about building resilience, strengthening community connections, and ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy, nutritious food close to home,” Thompson said in a statement. “We’ve seen what’s possible through the incredible success of the Swank Grow & Share Garden, and as food insecurity continues to rise, expanding our ability to grow food locally is a natural next step in our commitment to the community.”
This article was published in the Kitsap Sun on July 21, 2026.