Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Agriculture Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners extend and increase county agriculture innovation grant after high demand
Summary
The board approved a three‑year extension and 15% annual increase to the Agriculture Innovation and Equipment Grant after staff reported 72 applications requesting over $1.5 million; commissioners corrected the target fiscal years to FY27–FY29 and approved the measure 5‑0.
Washington County commissioners approved extending the Agriculture Innovation and Equipment Grant program for three additional years and increasing the annual allocation by 15 percent after staff reported persistent demand from local farms.
Kelsey Kettle, agricultural business specialist, and Linda Spence, financial programs administrator, said the initial three‑year program received 72 applications requesting more than $1.5 million while distributing $300,000 ($100,000 per year) and supporting 15 farms. Staff proposed a 15 percent increase to the annual allocation, yielding $115,000 per year for three years, totaling $345,000.
Commissioners asked whether prior recipients could apply again (staff said yes, for different projects) and about the evaluation panel (three members with ag knowledge; this year all external reviewers due to conflicts). Commissioners also asked for a list of projects requested; staff said it could be provided.
After staff noted FY26 distributions already paid, the county administrator corrected the target years for the increased allocations to fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029. The board approved the extension and funding correction by voice vote, 5‑0.
Staff said the program is funded through the hotel rental tax; last year applicants requested $546,000 while the program could only award $100,000. Commissioners characterized the program as fiscally responsible and supportive of county farms.
