washington state department of agriculture

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is offering $4 million in Farm to School Purchasing Grants in the 2023-2025 biennium to increase the purchase, use, and promotion of foods that are grown, raised, caught, or foraged in Washington by child nutrition programs, including schools, childcare, and early learning services.

The WSDA is launching the Compost Reimbursement Program to encourage on-farm compost use.

Just like any food product that is purchased by a consumer, it must go through an inspection to make sure it is safe and what the customer wants.

The Japanese Beetle takes flight during the summer months.

Do you think you have what it takes to do the job of a 'giant hornet trapper'?

Those living in south central Washington may have the pest Japanese beetle in their yards right now.   For those that do, they can get their properties treated free of charge this spring.   Following up on the in-person open house held earlier this month, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will host a virtual open house on Tuesday, starting a noon (PT) to share information about its pl

With another growing season approaching, the Washington state Department of Agriculture is preparing to fight the Japanese Beetle.  The invasive pest was first reported in the Grandview area in 2020, when three beetles were discovered.  Since t...

The Ag economist for the Washington State Department of Agriculture says 2023 is shaping up to be a good year for the farm economy across the Evergreen state.  Madi Roy says the Washington farm economy is fairly stable right now, but many are proceeding with caution.  One of ...

Because of the pandemic, many businesses and industry were forced to adopt new restrictions and guidelines very quickly, including the aquaculture industry.  But, thanks to AMS, some of those costs can now be addressed. Through the Agricultural Marketing Service Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program, another round of grants are available to seafood processors and proc

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.   “...