Chronicle Staff
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced $1.5 million in grant funding to support local food systems, including to multiple organizations in Lewis, Thurston and Gray Harbor counties.
The WSDA announced Tuesday that it has awarded Local Food System Infrastructure grants to 40 projects across the state. According to the WSDA, the agency has received 337 grant applications totaling nearly $19 million.
“We continue to be impressed with how these grant projects are developing the capacity of our local food economies,” Laura Raymond, WSDA Regional Markets Program Manager, said in a statement. “We sincerely wish we could fund more of these worthy efforts. Each proposal represents an opportunity to build a more vibrant, resilient local food system.”
According to WSDA, grants range in value from $7,000 to $75,000 and will cover equipment, facility improvements, supply chain and market access adjustments, food safety improvements, workforce development and related operating costs.
Grays Harbor County-based Two Rivers Cattle Company received nearly $44,000 to expand its meat storage capacity and serve as a “centralization point for the Southwest Washington Food Hub.” The Grays Harbor Conservation District in Grays Harbor County received just over $41,000 to ensure the operation of the Aberdeen Sunday Market.
In Thurston County, Untraditional Fruits received more than $11,000 to purchase a produce washing station and walk-in refrigerator on their farm.
Also in Lewis County, Sunrise Creamery received $36,000 to purchase equipment needed to expand production.
“Small farm, ranch and food business entrepreneurs play a vital role in sustaining Washington state’s vibrant local food economy,” WSDA Director Derek Sandison said in a statement. “The high level of interest in WSDA programs underscores the need for continued business support, including technical assistance, publications, market access development and grant awards.”
