Legislature Funds Biological and Organic Farming Program
Growers, Grocers, and Farming Advocates Applaud Move
The Washington State Legislature has given a major boost to sustainable and organic farming with funding of a key program at Washington State University (WSU). The legislature funded WSU's Biologically Intensive and Organic Agriculture (BIOAg) program at a level of $400,000 for the supplemental budget. The funding will support the nation's first organic major as well as a new initiative to develop effective methods to produce food with biological and organic methods.
The program seeks to build on growing consumer interest in food grown locally and with environmentally friendly methods. The demand for organics has grown at 20% per year for the last decade and is expected to continue doing so. In 2003, the value of Washington state's organic foods industry was $300 million.
To take advantage of these new markets, however, growers need cutting-edge research, teaching, and outreach programs from Washington State University. The Biological and Organic Program will conduct research and outreach that will help growers reduce costs, protect the environment, develop 'value-added' products, and produce food that responds to public demand for locally grown and organic products.
"WSU's Biologically Intensive and Organic Farming Program is a much-needed shot in the arm for producers of all sizes in Washington," said Maryon Attwood, director of the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network. "With growers struggling with rising input costs and global competition, this program enables them to take advantage of the huge opportunity in organic and sustainable production."
Supporters of the program include growers across Washington, agricultural groups including the Washington Cattlemen's Association and Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association, dozens of chefs and restaurateurs, grocers and farmers markets, and food and farming advocates. Members of the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network include PCC Natural Markets, Washington Toxics Coalition, the Lutheran Public Policy Office, and Tilth Producers.
"As a farmer, I see many new opportunities for methods to increase production and improve my overall farming operation, but I don't have the support and expertise I need, " said Gretchen Hoyt, a Whatcom County grower. "I support the Biologically Intensive and Organic Program at WSU because it gives farmers additional access to grant funds, technical support, and presents additional opportunities to partner with the resources and expertise at the university."
The Biological and Organic program, championed by 42nd District Rep. Kelli Linville, has received some federal funding in the past earmarked for research. Advocates of the program celebrated the state funding, saying it provides a solid step toward a statewide program that has the potential to dramatically benefit farmers and consumers in Washington state.
Representative Linville said, "This year's appropriation is the first step in expanding our BIOAg research in Washington state."
This article is republished courtesy of Earth Share organization Washington Toxics Coalition:*
Legislature Funds Biological and Organic Farming Program
