March, 2023

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Agriculture in the news

• WA’s first greenhouse-gas-allowance auction raises estimated $300 million - Generating almost twice as much as expected, this key part of the Climate Commitment Act will continue to occur quarterly. Funds will be allocated to help transition our energy infrastructure to renewable resources and help overburdened communities adapt to a changing climate.  
• Climate Change Mitigation from an Agricultural Conservation Easement: A Case Study of an Illinois Farm - American Farmland Trust is studying the carbon sequestration impacts of protecting farmland, detailed information in the link.
• US Farmers Are Getting Paid More for Capturing Carbon in Fields - The amount paid to farmers for conservation measures that reduce carbon emissions has been increasing, in this case doubling year over year. 
• Farmers of color urge Congress to fund land access - Farmers are hoping that the Farm Bill can begin to reverse a history of racial disparities and help beginning farmers overcome the increasingly difficult barriers to entry in the field. 
• Building Collaboration among CLTs Providing Affordable Housing and CLTs Protecting Land for Ecological Value - The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has published a working paper on the potential collaboration between community land trusts and conservation land trusts to protect land and provide housing. 
• Western legislatures take on foreign land ownership - Washington's HB 1412 is highlighted among other legislative efforts to reduce foreign ownership of farmland.
• Why the country’s largest shellfish farm is struggling to hire and retain workers - Producers of all kinds are being challenged by labor shortages, abnormal temperatures, market impacts of Covid-19, and increased costs of housing. 
• Federal Reserve: Observations on the Ag Economy - The February Beige Book offers some interesting anecdotal data on the state of agriculture across the country.  

Federal Updates

• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants | USDA - Grants available for planning projects and implementation projects for a broad spectrum of impacts on food access, education, and urban agriculture.
• Nationwide Survey for Prospective Farmers, Ranchers and Forest Managers - the USDA is looking for feedback on their programs before March 31st. 
• USDA Offers Cooperative Agreement and Grant Application Support to Underserved Producers and Communities - "The USDA is offering a new service that assists entities serving underserved agricultural producers and communities with completing applications for funding opportunities." 
• USDA Tax Assistance - Join a webinar hosted by the USDA on March 22nd to better understand the schedule F form and how it relates to your farm's taxes. 

Bills We are Following:

• HB 1110 - Requires certain cities planning under the Growth Managment Act to authorize minimum development densities in residential zones and include specific provisions related to middle housing in their development regulations. 
• HB 1552 - Directing the state conservation commission to conduct a study of urban agricultural opportunities and barriers in the state. 
• HB 5156- Expanding the farm internship program.
• SB 5005 - Concerning real property.
• SB 5341 - Creating a location-based promotion program for Washington food and agricultural products. 

Regional Events & Educational Opportunities

• Conservation Breakfast with Dr. Kathleen Dean Moore - On March 16th Jefferson Land Trust is hosting a virtual event to buoy your enthusiasm for protecting land and valuing a sense of place. 
• WSU Food Systems Hub Winter Series - Today at 1:00 as well as dates in April and May. "This event convenes leaders from across the Washington State food system and draws from our 7 Focus Areas: Sustainable Production Practices, Equitable Access, Energy and Waste Reduction, Processing and Distribution, Economic Benefits, Policy and Regulation, Farmland and Resource Conservation, in addition to the WA Food and Farm Finder."
• Fellows Program - SARE "The SARE Fellows program provides an immersive educational experience for participants to enhance their understanding of sustainable agriculture through broad-based training and interpersonal interactions at unique agriculture operations nationwide."

Job Announcements

Whatcom County - Planner I and II for Conservation Easement Program

Blue Mountain Land Trust - Remote Conservation Director for Oregon & Washington

Chelan-Douglas Land Trust - Development Director

Farmers Market Coalition - FMC Executive Director

From Asotin to Whatcom, opportunities with Conservation Districts and partner agencies are looking for skilled individuals. SCC Job Postings

Subscribe to the Farmland Preservation Monthly Newsletter, brought to you by the Office of Farmland Preservation. 

The Washington State Conservation Commission administers the Office of Farmland Preservation to address the rapid loss of working farm and forest lands in our state. Learn more: www.scc.wa.gov/ofp.