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$2.6 million in federal grants will promote Washington agriculture

OLYMPIA — Washington organizations will receive $2.6 million in federal assistance as they work to expand economic opportunities for specialty crop farmers and develop more efficient farming practices.

After reviewing more than 100 initial concept papers and 35 proposals, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) selected 14 projects that will increase the competitiveness of the state's fruit, vegetable and horticulture growers. Funding for the research, education and marketing projects is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

"This is great news for Washington state farmers, growers and producers, and a testament to their hard work and innovation," Gov. Chris Gregoire said. "Agriculture is a critical industry in our state, and this funding supports long-term success and future economic growth."

Under the federal block grant's formula, the level of funding for each state is determined by relative size of a state's specialty crop industry. Washington is the nation's third leading producer of fruit, vegetables and horticulture crops. Congress authorized the program in the 2008 Farm Bill.

"This federal funding provides a meaningful opportunity to address the most critical needs of our growers," said WSDA Director Dan Newhouse. "Not only are we supporting projects that will help producers sell more fruits and vegetables and boost farm incomes, we're planning for the future. Agricultural research we invest in today will pay significant dividends in efficiency savings, higher crop yields and innovative farm practices in the years to come."

In awarding these funds, WSDA selected projects that build on the expertise and success of the industry, will make a meaningful contribution to the viability of fruit, vegetable and horticulture production and have the potential to support the largest number of producers. Projects that included matching funds by the applicant were given priority. The 2009 grants are awarded to:

• Cascade Harvest Coalition ($249,920) to conduct a series of 30 networking and educational opportunities designed to connect local producers with local food buyers, create new marketing relationships and increase sales opportunities for farmers.
• Ecotrust ($250,000) working in partnership with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to complete the development of FoodHub, an online directory and marketplace that connects buyers and sellers.
• WSDA's Farm-to-School Program ($250,000) to work with several organizations to expand the market for fruits and vegetables in schools and prepare farms to meet the needs of institutional buyers.  Collaborating on the projects are WSDA's Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, Washington State Potato Commission, Washington State University, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Farmers Market Association, Oregon departments of Agriculture and Education, and other organizations.
• Washington Apple Commission ($193,001) to increase market growth in Mexico, Russia, Thailand, India, China, and the Middle East through technical training in the care, handling and merchandising of apples and other high-value, perishable products.
• Washington Wine Commission ($75,000) to promote Washington wines in Mexico and India.
• Pear Bureau Northwest ($220,000) to increase market growth for Washington pears, apples and cherries in Mexico by conducting promotions and ad campaigns in two large retail chains.
• Washington State Horticultural Association ($195,000) to conduct education and outreach for Growers Response to Agricultural Safe and Sustainable Practices, a food safety audit-preparation program.
• Washington State University ($250,000) to conduct integrated pest management outreach and training to apple growers in preparation of the 2012 phase-out of the organophosphate insecticides used to control codling moth.
• Washington State University ($245,003) to assist Hmong farmers and other cut flower growers in the development of sustainable insect management techniques and marketing strategies.
• Washington State University ($157,526) for research to determine the best alternative to tillage in organic orchards.
• Washington State University ($97,075) for research to improve the practices and technologies used for growing, harvesting, storing and handling potatoes.
• Washington State University ($128,932) to measure the continued effectiveness of two herbicides currently-registered for use in red raspberry production.
• Washington State University ($233,694) to develop and implement an alternative to fumigants to control Verticillium wilt, suppress soil-borne pests and reduce production costs for potatoes.
•  Washington State University ($64,100) to implement and evaluate a pest education program for homeowners with fruit trees in Yakima, Franklin and Benton counties on the effective control of codling moth and western cherry fruit fly.

WSDA conducted a two-phase competitive solicitation process to award funding. During the first phase, WSDA received 105 concept papers and funding requests in excess of $15 million. WSDA then requested full proposals from 35 organizations. An eleven-member advisory committee of industry representatives, university researchers, public agencies and non-profit organizations evaluated the proposals and made recommendations.

WSDA selected the most promising projects for inclusion into the state's single grant application. USDA has approved Washington's application, clearing the way for the projects to move forward.

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