FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A longstanding Whatcom County farm is turning the page as it prepares for a new chapter.

Boxx Berry Farm in Ferndale says that they plan to sell their nearly 60-acre property to the Port of Bellingham.

The Northwest Ave farm has been in operation for nearly 65 years, offering berries, flowers, corn, and other products for sale and U-pick.

Whatcom County Councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the decision during their regular meeting on Tuesday.

With the purchase, the Port of Bellingham has announced it will convert the farm into an agricultural research station.

The county’s Economic Development Investment Board will make a preliminary $3 million investment for the Port to purchase the farm property.

Staffing and direction at the new facility will be handled by Washington State University.

As for Boxx Berry Farm’s final season, it’ll remain open with plenty of U-pick opportunities before closing for good on October 1.