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Committee hears bill to create organic action plan, microgrants and fee adjustments
Summary
Senate Bill 5474 would require WSDA to produce an organic agriculture action plan, stand up a nonprofit‑run microgrant program with awards up to $25,000, and permit fee adjustments for organic certification if the legislature funds them.
Senate Bill 5474 drew extensive testimony on opportunities and barriers for organic, regenerative and climate‑smart producers. The bill directs the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to develop an organic agriculture action plan, authorizes a nonprofit partner to run a low‑barrier microgrant program that can award up to $25,000 per producer, and permits adjustment of WSDA’s organic certification fee schedule if funds are appropriated for that purpose.
Elena Becker, committee staff, outlined the three components: an action plan to analyze barriers and opportunities (including outreach to youth and overburdened communities), a microgrant program prioritized by criteria such as carbon sequestration and leadership from vulnerable populations, and a possible…
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