derek sandison

Trade is always on the mind of Northwest Ag leaders, since the region is so dependent on overseas buyers.  But more and more, the American farming community as a whole is talking about trade, and what’s being done to open up new markets, or expand existing ones.  Derek Sandiso...

The agriculture community is still holding its breath that Congress will pass a one-year Farm Bill Extension, allowing lawmakers to address the issue in 2025.  But, what happens if the extension gets tied up in D.C. bickering?   Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison said the state will feel a direct impact in a variety of ways.   “Our ...

Across Washington, farmers, commodity groups, economists have discussed what a trying year 2024 has been for the agriculture community.   Add to that list the voice of Derek Sandison.    The Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture says across the board, farming is very challenging right now.  Sandison not...

We celebrate lots of "National Days" across the U.S. but one that should be important to all of us is National Farmer's Day.

Washington representative Kim Schrier kicked off a tour of the 8th district Friday with a Farm Bill listening session in western Washington.  Schrier said regardless of where she goes in the district, there are certain themes of the Farm Bill that always rise to the top.   “...

Farmers across Washington continue trying to adjust their books as Ag overtime has thrown another wrinkle in the day-to-day operations of farming.  Derek Sandison, Director of the Washington state Department of Agriculture, said in his conversations with producers across the state, the reaction has been mixed.   “...

Locally grown food will take center stage at cafeterias across the Evergreen state Wednesday as Taste Washington Day returns.  According to the Washington state Department of Agriculture, the annual celebration of farm to school connections is a chance to enjoy and learn about the bounty and diversity of healthy and delicious Washington grown foods.   ...

Late last week, the Washington state Department of Agriculture was awarded more than $16 million in grants to help small farms and food businesses recover from ongoing economic impacts from the pandemic.  State lawmakers created the Local Food System Infrastructure Grants to improve the strength and resiliency Washington’s food systems.  Applicants offered...

On Thursday, USDA announced it was awarding $72.9 million in Specialty Crop Block Grant program funding for Fiscal Year 2022.  The funding, via AMS, will go to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.   ...