Legislature Ensures Washington a Leader in Sustainable Agriculture

The budget passed this weekend by the Washington State Legislature substantially increases funding for research and teaching on sustainable agriculture at Washington State University. State legislators approved at least $400,000 in additional funding for WSU's Biologically Intensive and Organic Farming (BIOAg) program, sending a strong message that they support sustainable farming.  In addition to the research dollars, the budget adds several new staff positions to support value-added agricultural product research and economically and environmentally sustainable food production.

Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham) was a champion for the funding and expressed gratification that WSU made the BIOAg program part of its original budget request. "I am glad that we're making a concerted effort to fund one of the fastest-growing segments of our agricultural economy," she stated.

    WSU's request to the legislature included $800,000 for the BIOAg program as part of a $10.8 million initiative for new agricultural funding. The $400,000 final appropriation for BIOAg is part of a $6 million package in the budget for the initiative. While the legislature did not provide full funding for the Biolgically Intensive and Organic Program, WSU may choose to allocate additional funds from the intiative to the program.

Dennis Nicholson, an orchardist from Peshastin, has converted his family orchard to organic. "Going organic can help keep farmers in business, but they need support to be successful with new production practices that they're not experienced with. We need to find biological solutions to pest and weed management. The BIOAg research program is a critical source of information for farmers that want to grow organic and sustainable produce."

The new research dollars will add to a pool for research grants that was established last year, when the legislature approved $400,000 in its supplemental budget. In the past year, WSU has used the funding to support research in organic grain production, winter organic vegetable production, organic milk and providing information to ranchers on sustainable rangeland management.

Jack Field, Executive Vice President of the Washington Cattlemen's Association, stated, "The Washington Cattlemen's Association is happy to see the funding for the BIOAg program this year. Our membership directly benefited from last year's program by attending a rangeland monitoring workshop which was an excellent experience for a number of cattlemen and one we hope to duplicate in the future."

 Supporters of the funding include the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network, PCC Natural Markets, the Washington Cattlemen's Association, the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington, the Washington Toxics Coalition, Tilth Producers, and dozens of growers, farmers markets, chefs, and other organizations and businesses.

Paul Benz, Director of the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington, is very appreciative of the legislature's decision. "Funding the BIOAg program helps local farmers keep farming, and that's a needed shot in the arm for our struggling rural communities. Research is needed to provide the solutions that will keep our state's diverse growers viable in today's agricultural economy."

"With the organic sector of farming growing at 20 percent per year, public investment in sustainable agriculture will pay off," said Ellen Gray, interim director for the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network. "WSU and the legislature are making a commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture that will pay off in better returns for farmers, fresh local food for consumers, and a cleaner environment for everyone."

"WSU's Biological and Organic program is a hugely exciting endeavor to help Washington's growers make the most of the market's fast movement toward organic," said Erika Schreder, staff scientist with the Washington Toxics Coalition. "The Biological and Organic program can really make the difference in helping growers switch to organic and we are very grateful that the legislature has made the program a priority."

Trudy Bialic, public affairs director for PCC Natural Markets, said "Today, the demand for organic and sustainably grown local foods outpaces the regional supply. Funding this important program will strengthen our state's economic engine and help secure our food security while improving personal and environmental health."

To learn more about The Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network, visit our website at www.wsffn.org or call 360-336-9694.