Terry’s Berries could remain farmland forever.

That’s just the way owners Terry and Dick Carkner want it. They don’t want to see the land they have worked for so long to become rows of houses or a strip mall a decade or two down the road. It’s not something the rest of the valley’s residents should want either.

The soil where they till their organic produce is some of the best this side of the Cascade Mountains and thousands of school children visit the farm each year, learning about the importance of local farming. The co-op is a vital part of the Puyallup community, simultaneously providing a place where residents can purchase locally grown produce and developing a vision for a new form of farming.

A $291,370 matching grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board that will allow Pierce County to purchase the development rights from Terry’s Berries and ensure the farm’s green future. The board has awarded $4.7 million statewide to help preserve farmland.

This is the first time the grant program has put any focus on Pierce County farms. So, it’s a coup that they selected not only the 21-acre Terry’s Berries farmland but also the 100-acre Orting Valley Farm.

The next step is to appraise the Carkners’ farm so the Pierce County Council can determine how much to offer the couple.

This is the second time Terry’s Berries have been on the list to have its development rights purchased by the county. Four years ago, after the appraisal had already been completed, the Pierce County Council changed its mind at the last minute, which was a disappointment for the Carkners. They aren’t worrying about a repeat situation, but do fear a lower offer from the county because of new FEMA regulations in the area.

Purchasing development rights is an essential tool for preserving East Pierce farmland. Farms like Terry’s Berries are usually too pricey for other farmers to purchase, leaving owners with no choice but to sell to developers. The ability to purchase those development rights helps keep farmers and not housing developments on farmland.