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Federal grants will promote Washington farmers markets and improve farm practices

OLYMPIA — Twelve Washington agricultural organizations will receive federal assistance as they work to expand economic opportunities for farmers and develop more efficient farming practices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture gave final approval of the state's application this week.

The funding is coming to Washington through USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program designed to enhance the competitiveness of the state's fruit, vegetable and horticulture products. The successful grant applicants announced today are sharing $259,115 in funding.

"This federal money will help maintain our state's track record of producing the safest, highest quality foods in the world," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "By staying competitive and expanding markets, we're saving and creating jobs across the state, which is especially critical right now."

Washington is the third leading producer of specialty crops in the nation. The state's growers rank number one in U.S. production of commodities ranging from apples and hops to spearmint oil and raspberries.

"These federal funds are a welcome addition to our efforts to expand opportunity for Washington farmers," said Dan Newhouse, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). "During these challenging times of declining commodity prices and tightening export opportunities, these dollars will help develop new markets for our products and improve farming practices."

After reviewing this year's grant applications, WSDA selected the most promising projects for inclusion in a single Washington state grant application. WSDA included projects that build on the expertise and success of the industry, have the potential to boost the income of farming families, develop or expand direct marketing opportunities for farmers, or support economic growth in rural Washington. Grants will be awarded to:

• Washington State Horticultural Association ($49,500) to provide tree fruit growers a workbook of technical support and education on safe and sustainable practices.
• FarmCity Alliance, Mercer Island Farmers Market ($17,400) to expand customer awareness and attendance of the market through promotion and outreach.
•  Washington State University ($35,591) to conduct research to prevent the spread of Grapevine fanleaf disease to promote sustainability of the wine grape industry.
• Cascade Harvest Coalition ($29,500) to conduct a marketing research project and develop a strategy for growing sales opportunities at Puget Sound farmers markets.
• Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance ($18,759) to promote sales at Seattle farmers markets by producing and mailing a newsletter twice a year during the high market season that will reach 136,000 potential customers.
• Washington Mint Commission ($30,000) to develop and demonstrate Solvent Free Microwave Extraction of essential mint oil. The process could reduce significantly the amount of energy required in the production of mint oil and increase the overall efficiency of mint production.
• Vashon Island Growers Association ($5,705) to develop a promotional campaign and provide community education about their Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets.
• Washington State Farmers Market Association ($10,100) to promote Washington farmers by increasing the number of the 2009 Farmers Market Directory Guides that are printed and distributed.
• Washington State Potato Commission ($35,717) to continue a food safety training program with informational materials to help potato growers become certified under USDA's Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program.
• Institute for Washington's Future ($17,000) to hold conferences for producers to learn about the latest research and development on the application of bio-products for improved soil fertility and pest control.
• Maple Valley Farmers Market ($8,800) to establish a new farmers market in Maple Valley where producers can sell their fruit and vegetables.
• Poulsbo Farmers Market ($1,043) to help promote farmers and their products by developing and distributing marketing materials.

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