February 2025

Agriculture in the news

• Secretary Brooke Rollins Welcome Reception and Remarks| USDA
  
  
• WSU: Climate change poses big apple challenges, particularly for Yakima orchards | Capital Press
  
  
• Lawmakers look at small-scale solar to spare Washington farmland | Capital Press
  
  
• WSDA director: ‘Pretty challenging time’ for farmers | Capital Press
  
  
• USDA Funding Freeze Threatens Farmers’ Financial Stability | Civil Eats

Events and Educational Resources

• Agricultural Producer Agritourism Virtual Listening Session - There will be an agricultural producer focus group listening session to gather input on the future of agritourism in Washington State on February 18 at 2:00 PM.
  
  
• 2025 Washington Farmers Market Conference | Washington Farmers Market - February 21-22 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton. Opportunities to learn, connect, and recharge for the 2025 season. 
  
  
• 2025 Farmers Market Boot Camp | Washington Farmers Market - March 13, 18, 20, and 27, taking place virtually. The Boot Camp gives tools, tips, and a network to bring newly hired or newly appointed individuals up to speed. 
  
  
• Farm Clubs | WA Young Farmers Coalition - Farm Clubs are back with groups meeting in King County, Pierce County, and Island County starting February 28. 

Funding Opportunities & Resources

• Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund Grant Opportunity | Tilth Alliance
  
  
• Lessons from the Tulalip Tribes' Conservation Work in the Snohomish Basin | Floodplains by Design Lunch and Learn Recording

NRCS Update

• On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order that placed a freeze on spending authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This includes payments under NRCS conservation program contracts that are funded through the IRA and IIJA.
  
  
• USDA leaders have been directed to assess whether grants, loans, contracts, and other disbursements align with the new administration’s policies. Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture, will have the opportunity to review the programs and work with the White House to make determinations as quickly as possible.
  
  
• In the meantime, USDA appreciates conservation partners and farmers’ patience and recognizes the vital role the agricultural community plays in strengthening and sustaining our nation. We understand that uncertainty can be challenging, especially for those already navigating the unpredictable forces of nature.

Job Announcements

• American Farmland Trust is hiring for the roles of National Policy Director and Budget Specialist. 
  
  
• Job Board | Washington Association of Land Trusts - Opportunities from Executive Directors to entry-level are available for the right candidates. 
  
  
• Executive Director | Western Washington Agricultural Association
   
• Job Board | State Conservation Commission - Opportunities are available at conservation districts across the state for a wide variety of roles. 
  
  
• Job Board | North American Food Systems Network - A wide variety of roles across the country can be accessed through this job portal.  
  
  
• Executive Director | Twin Sisters Farmers Market
  
  
• Communications Director | Socially Responsible Agriculture Project

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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.