2009 OFP Report to the Conservation Commission
February 5th, 2010
The 2009 Report to the Conservation Commission is an update from 2009 on activities and issues raised with the farmland preservation task force.
It can be downloaded by going to:
Farmland Presevation Task Force Indicators Report
February 5th, 2010
2009 Farmland Preservation Indicators Report
In 2007 when the Office of Farmland Preservation was created, the legislature codified their findings regarding the preservation of farmland to say that:
…there is a finite quantity of high quality agricultural land and that often this agricultural land is mistakenly viewed as an expendable resource. The legislature finds that the retention of agricultural land is desirable, not only to produce food, livestock, and other agricultural products, but also to maintain our state economy and preferable environmental conditions. For these reasons, and because it is essential that agricultural production be sufficient to meet the needs of our growing population, commitment to the retention of agricultural land should be reflected at the state policy level by the creation of an office of farmland preservation to support the retention of farmland and the viability of farming for future generations.
The Farmland Preservation Task Force identified several indicators to begin charting the overall condition of agriculture as it relates to farmland preservation.
An indicator is a tool that helps you know how far your project is from achieving your goals and whether you are headed in the right direction.
These farmland indicators deal with the current state of our area’s resources. They help us answer the question, “Are our activities helping to improve the condition and availability of farmland in Washington?” These indicators target specific concerns that affect the viability and future of agriculture.
The data used for these indicators come from a wide variety of places, including local government agencies, state government agencies, academic institutions, trade groups, and large government databases.
The indicators found in this report are categorized to reflect the structure and layout of the 2008 Future of Farming report published by the Washington State Department of Agriculture:
- Making Agriculture a Priority
- Regulatory Barriers
- Resource Availability and Access
- Strengthen Competiveness
- Emerging Opportunities
New WSDA handbook now available
February 4th, 2010
WSDA handbook helps farmers launch, expand direct-sales businesses Regulations and strategies for farm and food businesses in Washington available online
Farmers who sell their agricultural and food products directly to consumers now have a new tool to help launch a business or expand into new products: the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Small Farm & Direct Marketing Handbook.
The handbook provides practical information about the resources available to farmers, how to operate a farm business, marketing strategies and regulations on specific products. Chapters include sections on licensing, food safety, organic certification and marketing directly to consumers through farmers markets, retailers and institutions, community supported agriculture (CSAs), farm stands and U-pick, and information on agri-culinary tourism. It also discusses regulations affecting the marketing of specific products such as poultry and meats, eggs, fish and shellfish, fruits and vegetables, honey, milk and dairy.
The 125-page handbook can be downloaded at http://agr.wa.gov/Marketing/SmallFarm in its entirety, by chapter or by topic.
January Farmland Preservation Newsletter now available
January 28th, 2010
The January edition of the newsletter is now available online and includes an update on the Agriculture Structures study bill from last session, an update on the agricultural impact statement bills that are currently in the state senate, news on a recent study by WSU on organic production in Washington, and much more.
If you have suggestions for newsletter content, please feel free to contact OFP at jgiuntoli@scc.wa.gov
Washington Ag News and Views January 12 – January 26
January 26th, 2010
The Office of Farmland Preservation is pleased to present this week’s ‘News and Views’ feature, a collection of news features, articles, and editorials on the subject of agriculture from media outlets around the state. The information and opinions contained in the articles are those of their respective authors, and are not necessarily those of the Office of Farmland Preservation or the Washington State Conservation Commission.
Tour Report: PCC tour of Nash’s Organic Produce
January 26th, 2010
From PCC Land Trust: What a glorious sunny day we had on January 16 as over 150 people, from Oregon to British Columbia, participated in a tour of the different fields that make up the 400-acre operation of Nash’s Organic Produce. Traveling in three large buses, the tours were led by experienced farm crew members, including Nash Huber, Chris Tipton, Josh Gloor, Jared Zyskowski, Scott Chichester, and Kia Armstrong. The tour included a seed-cleaning demonstration at the Delta Farm, a sumptuous lunch buffet featuring food sourced completely from the farm, and a lively discussion in the evening about sustainable agriculture with Nash Huber and Clallam County extension agent Curtis Beus. Entitled “Farmer 2 Farmer 2 You,” the tour explored the ins and out of farming in the winter in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, and featured a tutorial on organic practices for vegetables, seed and local grain production. The event was also sponsored by Tilth Producers of Washington and Friends of the Fields.
10th Annual Oregon Small Farms Conference—February 27th
January 26th, 2010
The 10th Annual Oregon Small Farms Conference will be held February 27th on the Oregon State University campus. The annual Small Farms Conference is a major event of the Oregon State University Small Farms Program and a means for featuring information on small scale sustainable agriculture, farm direct marketing, and food policy from farmers, researchers and food advocates. The conference includes 15 sessions plus a keynote address by David Mas Masumoto and a capnote address by 5th district Congressman (and farmer) Kurt Schrader.
David Mas Masumoto is a third generation farmer and writer working with his family on their 80-acre organic farm near Fresno, CA. He is the author of several books including, Epitaph for a Peach, Four Seasons in Five Senses, and his latest entitled Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land. His keynote speech is titled: “It’s About the Flavors of Life: Why We Farmers Work So Hard.”
The cost is $35 for one, $60 for two from the same farm and includes lunch. For a conference brochure and registration go to: http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/2010SFC
Rural Job Forum – Opportunity to provide input on job creation
January 21st, 2010
Coming up next week is the opportunity to participate in one of the two Community Forums on Jobs and Economic Growth hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington State. USDA is leading an effort nationwide to listen to Rural America’s thoughts and ideas about what is needed to create jobs and stimulate economic development in rural communities across the country. These forums follow the lead of President Obama’s December 3, 2009, national roundtable discussion.
Please attend and share your thoughts and ideas about job creation and economic growth. Your input and participation at one of the following Community Forums would be greatly appreciated.
Agricultural Impact Statement bills heard in Senate Committee
January 21st, 2010
On Monday, January 18, the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee heard SB 6210 (Regarding the preservation and conservation of agricultural resource lands) and SB 6521 (Requiring state agencies to use an agriculture impact statement), two bills that would work to identify impacts to agriculture when certain actions are taken.
You can watch the hearing on both bills below:
The Office of Farmland Preservation functions as an agency under the auspices of the