Tag Archives: agriculture

How many people work on Kitsap farms?

blog.farmersSmall farms are a big part of the community fabric of Kitsap County. But agriculture, as you might imagine, doesn’t play a major role in local employment.

An average of about 390 people were employed in agricultural pursuits in the county in 2012, according to a workforce report just released by the state Employment Security Department.

Jefferson County’s monthly average was 150. Mason’s was 430.

Agricultural employment numbers fluctuate seasonally. In Kitsap there were 460 jobs in June 2012, but only 310 in January.

You can view the full agricultural employment report as a PDF file here.

Butcher plans a gastronomical British Invasion

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As I noted in today’s business spotlight, the new Proper British Bacon in Port Orchard is the first franchised offshoot of the original butcher shop in Auburn. Founder Robin Halbert expects it won’t be the last.

Halbert said he plans to establish several more franchises in the Puget Sound area if the South Kitsap enterprise proves successful. He has his eye on Bellevue and North Seattle as possible locations. Port Orchard store owner Meri Blaisdell suggested Poulsbo, with its European theme, could be a good fit for a Proper British Bacon.

About 25 percent of the customers who frequent the Auburn location are British expats, Halbert said.  The shop has an especially strong following among Microsoft employees and makes regular deliveries to the  Redmond campus.

Halbert is already seeking U.S. Department of Agriculture certification to sell Proper British Bacon branded products in supermarkets.

Above: Marion Hamblin inspects the offering at Proper British Bacon in Port Orchard. (Larry Steagall photo)