Sustainable Agriculture Project

The Washington Toxics Coalition has a successful track record supporting Sustainable Agriculture, and it’s booming in Washington State.  In 2004, Washington had about 40,000 acres of organic production.  At the end of 2007, projections indicate that the state will have been closer to 100,000 acres.  The demand for healthy, chemical-free food is growing, and the farmers are working to keep up.  

Yet at the same time, this brings the organic acreage to only 2.1% of total farming acreage in the state of Washington.  While market forces are important, in order for sustainable agricultural farmers to be competitive, more must be done.  WTC will continue to be a leader in advocating for healthier foods for everyone.    

2008 Campaign:

Healthy Kids / Local Farms

While helping schools to stop applying pesticides on school grounds is critical to protect children’s health, we shouldn’t forget that there are also pesticides in school cafeteria food.  Getting schools to provide nutritious and healthy food to students can be next to impossible.  There can be red tape, lack of infrastructure, and not enough money in the budget.  In 2008, we are supporting legislation that will ease the way and create support and funding to help schools buy fresher food from local farmers.  This will make it possible for parents to push for food free from pesticides.  If you want more information or to get involved, contact our Environmental Advocate, Michael Grenetz, at mgrenetz@watoxics.org or at 206-632-1545 ext. 117.

Background on the Issue

Overview

Conventional agricultural systems rely heavily on the use of pesticides and fertilizers, resulting in food contaminated with pesticides, poor water quality, and threats to the health of people who work on farms. As a founding member of the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network, Washington Toxics Coalition is working to change the future of farming in our state to one that is healthy for people, land, and water, and less dependent on toxic chemicals.

Supporting Organic Farming In Washington

Because Washington State University (WSU) is the state's primary public agricultural research and education institution, the future of agriculture in Washington is in many ways dependent on its actions and programs. WSU provides advice to growers, conducts research, trains future farmers and gardeners, and educates the public on farming issues. For many years, WSU's programs have prioritized an industrial, chemical-dependent model that spells low profits for growers and environmental problems. WSU's research has not kept up with the need for new production and marketing alternatives that help growers succeed while providing consumers with fresh, healthy food and protecting the environment.

The good news is that WSU has created a program that can fill the void: the Biological and Organic Program, or BIOAg Program.  This comprehensive program addresses the need for effective, economically viable and socially and environmentally sound solutions that work for Washington growers and farm workers and that meet the public demand for local, healthy food.

The Washington State Legislature funded the Biological and Organic Program for the first time in 2006, at the level of $400,000 per year.

For more information, and how you can get involved in efforts to provide and maintain funding for the Biological and Organic Program at WSU, contact Environmental Advocate, Michael Grenetz, at mgrenetz@watoxics.org or at 206-632-1545 ext. 117.