Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF): Funding opens Feb. 1!

Washington State Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 01/05/2024 02:36 PM PST

News and Updates

Next Round of SFF Funding

Funding opens starting Feb. 1!

To be considered in the first round of review, applications need to be submitted by March 15 at 5:00 p.m. If all of the $3 million for SFF funding available for this funding round is not allocated, additional pulls will occur until all funds are allocated.

Reporting requirements will be slightly different than previous SFF funding rounds since these will use Climate Commitment Act funds allocated for SFF. Projects need to finish by the end of the biennium (June 30, 2025).

The application link will go live on the SFF webpage on Feb. 1. In the meantime, there is a pdf of the application questions. We will provide additional details via GovDelivery. Stay tuned!

To see what projects were funded in past rounds:

Visit the SFF webpage

SFF Proviso Funding

Dairy Anaerobic Digester, Alternative Manure Management Projects, and Research and Demonstration

The SCC and WSDA are co-leading a Climate-Smart Livestock Management Advisory Committee to serve in an advisory capacity to guide development of RFPs for this one-time funding of dairy anaerobic digester projects, alternative manure management projects, and research and demonstration projects. See SFF Proviso language here.

SFF staff are working on an estimated timeline for RFP release in early 2024, with more details forthcoming. Updates will be sent to the SFF GovDelivery list.

If you are not signed up for this SFF GovDelivery list already, sign up here

Appreciation for Alison Halpern

Alison Halpern, who many of you know as the person who shepherded SFF into existence, has moved on to a new role at WSDA’s Plant Protection Division.

We miss her at the Conservation Commission but wish her all the best and look forward to interacting with her in her new role serving Washington’s agricultural producers and natural resources!

Please contact Karen Hills for any SFF questions

SoilCon2024: Travel scholarships available for conservation district staff

The Washington State Conservation Commission is offering travel scholarships in the amount of up to $1,000 per conservation district to support district staff travel costs to attend in-person SoilCon events coming up in February.

Allowable expenditures are travel (mileage), Per Diem, time, and hotel. Receipts and documentation (and timesheet) will be required. Registration at SoilCon events is free.

Districts seeking funding must apply by Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5:00 p.m.

Apply for scholarships

2023 report to the legislature

SFF submitted a report to the legislature for activities performed in its inaugural year, fiscal year 2023. Check out funding awarded and highlights from some of the many amazing projects completed by conservation districts and one county.

View the report

Application for 2024 WSDA Soil Sampling Program now open

Are you interested in contributing soil data to the Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI) State of the Soils Assessment? The 2024 Request For Proposals is now open. 2024 will be our FINAL year of collecting soil samples through the RFP process. Now is your chance to participate!

Applications are due Feb. 9, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?