November 17th, 2008
This weeks news topics include the record setting Washington State apple crop, concern about recent developments in open space taxation, water rights in Central Washington, and recent developments in Washington’s wine and grape industries. Editorial concerns include proposed appellations for the Washington wine industry and recognition of the efforts of Washington’s irrigation districts.
November 14th, 2008
In response to the November 13th stakeholder meetings, Brad Flaherty, Assistant Director of the Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division, issued a MEMO to all County Assessors requesting that they take no enforcement or collection action with respect to the removal or reclassification of property currently in farm and agricultural land until the Department has the opportunity to work through the rule-making process.
November 14th, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 is continuing a small-grant program in Fiscal Year 2006 to help implement the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and support “transition” efforts by growers.
The RFP is available online here. Approximately $180,000 is available for funding this year. Proposals are due by Close of Business, Friday, January 16, 2009. Decisions will be made by February 20, 2009. Projects must be completed by April 30, 2010.
November 10th, 2008
Public Meeting Announcement: Important Time Change for Stakeholder Meeting To Review Open Space Taxation Act Definitions (WAC 458-30-200)
November 5th, 2008
The Washington State Office of Farmland Preservation Task Force will hold a public half-day business meeting followed by a full day business meeting on Tuesday December 2 and Wednesday December 3rd, in Wenatchee, Washington. The meeting will be held at the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel’s Blossom Harvest Room.
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September 11th, 2008
The Washington State Office of Farmland Preservation Task Force will conduct a tour, interaction dinner and meeting, September 30th and October 1, 2008 in Spokane, Washington. For more information, please contact Josh Giuntoli at (360)407-7474 or see the official meeting notice.
September 3rd, 2008
The Office of Farmland Preservation is pleased to present it’s newsletter to the public! The Office of Farmland Preservation Newsletter will be published monthly in the Preservation News segment of the OFP website, it will also be made available via the OFP listserv, please see the newsletter for more details.
August 18th, 2008
The photos from the Task Force tour of the Klickitat Region are now available. Of particular interest on this tour: livestock and dairy production, orchards, and urban sprawl.
July 21st, 2008
This year’s 2008 Vim Wright Stewardship Award Dinner, celebrating the best of those living the dream of sustainable agriculture, is being held in beautiful Carnation, Washington. Nestled in the
July 17th, 2008
The Office of Farmland Preservation Task Force will have their next meeting in the South Central region of the state in Goldendale, Washington. The meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2008 at the Goldendale Grange, 228 East Darland Street, Goldendale, WA 98620. The Public is welcome to attend, the meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact Josh Giuntoli, OFP Project Assistant at 360-407-7474 or Lori Gonzalez at 360-407-6200.
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The Office of Farmland Preservation functions as an agency under the auspices of the Washington State Conservation Commission.