Several opportunities for Washington State growers and producers are available in the new year. Please see below for details on these opportunities and how to apply.
Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund Grant Opportunity Now Available for 2023
Tilth Alliance is now accepting applications for the Washington State Organic and Sustainable Farming Fund (WSOSFF). This opportunity is available to farmers seeking financial assistance to support projects that will improve the economic viability, social impacts, or environmental sustainability of their farm businesses and/or community. The goal of these grants is to enhance the operations of farmers practicing responsible and progressive methods such as sustainable soil management, crop diversification, habitat preservation, climate change mitigation and environmentally-safe waste management practices. Grant requests can be made up to $10,000.
The grant program is open to all Washington State farmers who:
- Currently employ or are adopting practices that follow regenerative, sustainable, and/or organic principles (this includes conventional farms that are transitioning into organic, sustainable, or regenerative production).
- Have been in business for at least two years.
- Are seeking to improve and/or expand their operation, improve environmental impacts, or become a more sustainable business.
Applications are due Feb. 19, 2023. There will be two virtual info sessions—one in December and January. Pre-registration is required. Find out more information here.
For questions, please contact Teri Rakusin at TeriRakusin@tilthalliance.org.
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training for 2023
For fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety may sign up for this training course. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’
Class will be held at WSU Extension in Mount Vernon, as well as other locations across the state. For more information or to pre-register, please click here.