A grassroots campaign is underway across Pacific County as supporters rally to save the Willapa Bay Heritage Farm from possible closure after the Pacific County Department of Community Development reportedly ordered the farm to stop its overnight agritourism program operated through Harvest Hosts. According to organizers, the agritourism program generates more than 50% of the farm’s income, and without it, the future of the farm may be in jeopardy.

Since opening in 2017, supporters say the farm has become a major educational, tourism, and healing resource for the Long Beach Peninsula and Pacific County region. The farm has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and more than 12 countries while helping support local tourism and businesses.

According to the campaign flyer, the farm has:

• Hosted school groups, educational tours, and garden clubs
• Supported local youth through 4-H, FFA, and Junior Farmhand programs
• Provided animal-assisted visits for people with special needs, trauma histories, and recovery programs
• Worked to preserve the property through its nonprofit foundation

Supporters describe the farm as more than a business, calling it “a place of learning, healing, and community.”

The situation highlights the growing challenges many family farms face across Washington state as they increasingly rely on agritourism to survive financially. Small farms throughout rural America have turned to farm stays, RV hosting, educational programs, seasonal festivals, and tourism experiences to offset rising operational costs and declining agricultural margins.

Advocates argue that farms like Willapa Bay Heritage Farm not only preserve rural culture and open space, but also generate economic activity for surrounding communities through tourism spending at restaurants, shops, lodging, and fuel stations.

How Residents Can Help

The campaign is encouraging community members to send letters of support to county officials and attend an upcoming county workshop.

Send Letters of Support

Email: Amanda Bennett — abennett@co.pacific.wa.us
Please copy: Farmer Deb Howard — farmerdeb@willapabayheritagefarm.com

Supporters are encouraged to explain:

• How they know the farm
• Why the farm and its agritourism program matter
• Why the county should allow the program to continue

County Workshop Information

Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Location:
Pacific County Courthouse Annex
1216 West Robert Bush Drive
South Bend, WA 98586

Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82957237198

Supporters are also asking residents to share the flyer throughout the community and encourage others to participate.

Many residents say the debate ultimately raises broader questions about the future of rural farms, agritourism, and community-based agriculture in Pacific County. For supporters, preserving the Willapa Bay Heritage Farm represents not only saving a business, but protecting an important educational and cultural resource for future generations.