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You are here: Home » State Legislative Advocacy - Help Restore WSDA Farm to School & Small Farm Programs

2013 Legislative Session - Help Restore Farm to School and Small Farm Support!

A description of issues The Network will advocate for during the 2013 legislature.

WSFFN is advocating for several bills and budget requests this session, from GMO labeling to restoring WSDA's  Farm to School & Small Farm Programs. Click here for updates on our issues.

Help Restore WSDA's Farm to School & 

Small Farm Direct Marketing Programs

Please call Olympia NOW!

Our top priority is to restore funding for WSDA's Farm to School and Small Farm Direct Marketing Programs. General funds for these programs were eliminated during budget cuts in 2011 and we need them back. We are asking for $500,000 to restore the WSDA Programs. 

We are very grateful that the recently released budgets from both the Senate and the House have included $250,000 for these programs. However, the reduced amount will only enable 1 FTE (full time equivalent)for both programs whereas $500,000 would enable 1FTE  per program.

 

YOU CAN HELP BY CALLING THE OLYMPIA HOTLINE  (1-800-562-6000) and LEAVE YOUR LEGISLATORS A MESSAGE...

  • Thank them for including $250,000 in the draft budgets to bring these valuable programs back.

  • We are still asking for $500,000 because it would enable one FTE per program per year. Please add an additional $250,000 to help our farmers, kids and our economy.

These vital programs:

Pioneer Middle School Taste WA

  • help our kids access local fresh healthy food

  • help our farmers navigate the rules and regulations to sell directly to schools, CSAs, restaurants, & farmers markets.

  • help our economy by creating more agricultural jobs  and keeping local dollars at home.

21 Senators signed a budget request letter to the Chairman of Senate Ways & Means and 42 Representatives signed a similar letter to the Chairman of House Appropriations, the committees that are responsible for drafting the 2013-15 State Budget. Please thank the legislators that signed. Click here to find your legislator.

Thanks so much for making the call!  IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Click here to view our Restore WSDA Small Farm & Farm to School Advocacy Flyer and see supporting farms and organizations. Share this flyer with your local legislators. To find your representative click here.

2. If you are a farm/co-op/business/organization please lend your name to our effort to restore WSDA's Small Farm and Farm to School Programs. It is easy and takes about 2 minutes. Click here to Endorse online and we will add you to the growing list of endorsers that support restoring these services.

 

Skagit Flats Beans
  


If you weren't able to attend the Valentines Day hearings you can watch them on video.

For more information on each of these bills visit the state legislative website and click on the bill finder, type in the number and wonderful information will be made available ...ie copies of the bill, sponsors, status etc. 

 

We depend on our members to inform us about additional issues affecting food and farming. Please call Ellen Gray 360 336 9694 with issues that are important to you.

 

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