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December 2020
We made it to the last newsletter of 2020! This edition includes opportunities to provide feedback on critical agricultural issues as well as new resources to better understand farmland protection tools and agricultural viability.
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Input Needed
Understanding COVID-19's Impact on WA Farms
The University of Washington, Washington State University, and Washington State Department of Agriculture have created the WA Farm COVID-19 Survey to better understand how COVID-19 has impacted farms of all types and sizes in WA state. All WA farm owners and/or operators over 18 are invited to participate. Access the survey here.
Water Quantity in the West
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input about water quantity in the west related to existing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. Acting NRCS Chief Kevin Norton will host a virtual, open public listening session December 17. If additional time is deemed necessary to hear all input, a second session will be held Friday, December 18. Learn more about the session and feedback here.
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Resources & Reports
Washington Food & Farm Finder
The Eat Local First Collaborative’ s new Washington Food & Farm Finder connects consumers to more than 1,700 farms, farmers markets, and food businesses across Washington.
Water Trust & Banking
The Department of Ecology’s final report on Trust Water, Banking, and Transfers in Washington State is now available. More information on the report development and process are available here.
Insights into Non-Operator Landowners
Almost 48% of farmland in Washington is rented or leased, often from non-operating landowners (NOLs). American Farmland Trust surveyed 319 NOLs to better understand their participation in conservation programs and their perspectives on land stewardship. The Washington State results are available here and the full report is available here.
Financial Risk Management for Specialty Crop Farmers
Financial Risk Management for Specialty Crop Farmers explores tools for budgeting and financial planning; skills and strategies for accessing capital; structures and considerations for accessing land; crop insurance products; foundational business management practices; and strategic planning for ongoing success.
Soil Map Reveals Carbon Sequestration Potential
Developed by scientists at Cornell University, Soils Revealed is an open-access, interactive platform that models how soil organic carbon has fluctuated over the last 11,000 years and projects soil’s future carbon-storing capacity.
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Funding Opportunities
Young Farmer Grants
The National Young Farmers Coalition is offering 50 Young Farmers Grants of $5,000 each to a new cohort of young farmers and ranchers: 45 awards to businesses already in operation, and five to projects starting in 2021. Applicants must be farmers and ranchers between 18 and 40 years of age as of April 1, 2021. Applications are due by January 15, 2021. Information on how to apply is available here.
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Job Announcements
Okanogan Land Trust, Executive Director
The Okanogan Land Trust is seeking an Executive Director. The position is open until filled with a first review of applications by December 15, 2020. Information available here.
Open Positions at the Palouse Conservation District
Current openings include a Grants and Development Manager and a Research & Monitoring Technician. Information available here.
Open Positions at Jefferson County Conservation District
Current openings include the District Manager and Conservation Planner/Resource Specialist. For first consideration, applications for both positions must be received before 5 PM on January 5, 2021. Information available here.
Asotin Conservation District, Archaeologist - Cultural Resource Specialist
Asotin Conservation District seeks an Archaeologist – Cultural Resource Specialist. The position is open until filled. Information available here.
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Workshops & In-Depth Learning Opportunities
Cultivating Success: Agricultural Entrepreneurship
WSU Snohomish County Extension in partnership with Snohomish Conservation District are offering Cultivating Success: Agricultural Entrepreneurship to help new and current farmers gain skills in business planning, risk management, and direct marketing. The course runs Tuesday evenings January 12, 2021 through March 30, 2021, 6:30 – 8:30pm, online using the Zoom platform. Class size is limited and always fills quickly. Pre-paid registration is required. Cost for the twelve-week course is $200. To register, visit CSAgEnt.eventbrite.com. For more information on the course, contact Kate Ryan, (425) 357-6024, kate.ryan@wsu.edu.
Farm Commons, Cultivating Legally Resilient Farms in Washington
Farm Commons offer a 5-week interactive workshop on six core legal areas including business structures, insurance, employment law, food safety, land purchasing, and leasing. Register here.
Conservation Finance Boot Camp
The 2020 Boot Camp Webinar Short Course explores the latest trends and strategies in funding and financing for land and resource conservation, restoration and stewardship. Access the free webinar series here.
Events
The Future of Landscape Conservation: Cultivating Landowner Engagement
The Network for Landscape Conservation is hosting a 90-minute virtual policy forum on private landowner perspectives and innovations for landscape conservation on December 17. Register here.
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Agriculture in the News
COVID-19
Land Protection
Land Use
Regulation
Water
Climate
Markets
Federal
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