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October 2021
Washington state will soon have a new tool in our toolbox for farmland protection. The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) recently approved the Farmland Protection and Affordability Investment Program (FarmPAI). FarmPAI is a revolving loan program designed to increase land access and affordability while keeping land in agricultural production. Read the WSHFC press release to learn more.
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Trainings
Farmland for the Next Generation Training Program
American Farmland Trust (AFT) is recruiting a cohort of agricultural service providers in Washington State who currently - or plan to - work with beginning producers on issues related to land access. Participants in AFT's Pacific Northwest Farmland for the Next Generation training series will gain foundational skills and expertise needed to provide impactful technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers around finding, assessing, and securing land to farm. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.
Virtual Farm Business Expansion Training
Northwest Agriculture Business Center and Sustainable Connections Food & Farming Program are offering a five-month agricultural intensive running from November 2021 to March 2022. The cohort-based program will meet 2-3 times a month and receive a mix of presentations from experts, farmer peer-to-peer support, and one-on-one business review and development. Topics covered include business structure and modeling, labor law, accounting, brand development and best practices, bookkeeping and cash flow, tax planning, environmental regulations, insurance, human resources, and team management.
This agricultural intensive is designed for farmers who:
- have been in operation at least three seasons and/or are looking to grow their sales beyond direct to consumer farmers markets and CSAs
- have been selling wholesale at least one year
- operate in Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Lewis, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Mason, or Pierce counties.
- can commit to about 40 hours of time between October 2021- March 2022
- have a current gross income of $150,000 or higher annually
- access existing market channels beyond farmers market and CSA
- understand and can articulate the basics of their marketing model
There is no cost to participate. The priority application deadline is October 25, 2021. Checkout the training outline to learn more. If you have any questions, contact Rhys-Thorvald Hansen at rhys@agbizcenter.org. Applications will be accepted until November 5, 2021 or until the cohort reaches 15 farmers.
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Leadership Opportunities
Equity Commission Advisory Committee
The United States Department of Agriculture is requesting nominations for membership on the newly formed Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. Read the USDA press release for more information.
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Events
Annual Tilth Conference
The 47th annual Tilth Conference will take place November 19-21 at the Lynnwood Convention Center with both in-person and virtual options. This year's conference theme is “The Innovative WA Farmer: Sharing What We’ve Learned.” Choose from over 25 lectures, workshops and panel discussions covering a range of scales, experience levels, and interests. Knowledgeable presenters speak on topics such as crop and livestock production, pest and weed management, marketing, certifications, land access, and opportunities and challenges in sustainable and organic agriculture. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale ranging from $100-$400. Check out this year's preliminary program here.
Farm and Food Symposium
The Farm and Food Symposium will take place in-person November 5-6 at the Centennial Hotel in Spokane. Progressive farmers (small and large), ag industry professionals, consumers, and other conservation partners will gather to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological practices and the economic incentives of regenerative farming. This year’s theme is Regenerative Agriculture: Better Soil, Better Food, Better Health. Ray Archuleta, Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America, is the keynote speaker. Spokane Conservation District strives to make the annual Farm and Food Symposium inclusive and affordable for farmers, farm employees, veterans, and students. A limited number of scholarships are available. The scholarship application deadline is October 22. More information about the conference is available here.
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Informational Webinars
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Washington is hosting four informational webinars in October on the newly established 2018 Farm Bill RCPP. Learn more about RCPP here. People are encouraged to attend the series in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2022 RCPP Funding Announcement, which is expected to release in Fall 2021.
Session Schedule:
- October 18, 3-4 p.m., An Introduction to RCPP
- October 25, 3-4 p.m., RCPP & Conservation Easements
- November 1, 3-4 p.m., RCPP Watershed & Public Works
- November 8, 3-4 p.m., Developing an RCPP Proposal
All sessions will be held via Zoom and include a 15-minute question and answer period. To register, click here.
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