Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed an agriculture appropriations bill that invests in 2nd District farms and provides funding secured by U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) to help Washington state agriculture succeed and create jobs. The legislation (HR 2997) cleared the House by a vote of 266 to 160 and must also pass the Senate before it could be signed into law.
“In Washington state, agriculture is a proud part of our heritage and a critical part of our economy,” said Larsen. “Local farms create jobs, feed families and contribute $726 million to our economy in the 2nd District each year. Investing in Washington state ag helps local producers compete with farms down the road and around the world and helps make our economy stronger for the future.”
“Washington raspberry growers receive support for research projects that are fundamental to our global competiveness through the NW Small Fruit Center,” Henry Bierlink, Executive Director of the Lynden-based WA Red Raspberry Commission. “We are very appreciative of Rep. Larsen’s continued strong support.”
To fight hunger and help low-income women, children and senior citizens faced with rising food costs and shrinking wages, the legislation increases nutrition aid to families. It expands the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program to support an additional 700,000 low-income pregnant women and recent mothers, and creates new initiatives to help ensure that American families can put food on the table during the recession.
The legislation includes the following funding secured by Larsen:
Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Facility in Pullman
P.O. Box 643140
Pullman, WA
$3.7 million for a United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Services (ARS) facility located in Pullman, WA to provide ARS scientists with state-of-the-art research facilities. A new USDA-ARS facility, fully integrated with the Washington State University Life Science/Biotechnology complex, will provide modern laboratories and equipment to conduct agriculture research to keep Northwest growers competitive in the global market. Agriculture is a top employer in Washington state. More than $14.8 billion in food and agricultural products were exported through Washington ports last year, the third largest total in the U.S.
Organic Cropping
Washington State University
P.O. Box 643140
Pullman, WA
$248,000 for research into priorities identified by Northwest organic farmers including developing wheat varieties for organic systems, seed treatments for organic vegetable production, and studying economic trends in organic production. Several of these projects have the potential to advance sustainable agriculture on a national scale. There are nearly 700 certified organic farms in Washington state. Washington state is second in the nation in “farmgate” sales of organic products directly from the producer with $159.8 million sold.
Pacific Northwest Small Fruit Center
Washington State University
P.O. Box 643140
Pullman, WA
$307,000 for research into plant breeding, pest management, genetic research, and processing methods for small fruits. The Center helps Northwest farmers integrate scientific research into their farming and processing. Research done by the Center is focused on profitable and environmentally-responsible farming and production practices. Washington state leads the country in raspberry production and is a leading producer of other berries and grapes as well. In 2007, Washington raised 55 million pounds of red raspberries valued at $27.9 million.
Protecting the Pacific Northwest Grape and Wine Industry from Plant Viruses
Washington State University
P.O. Box 643140
Pullman, WA
$223,000 to combat the presence or spread of devastating plant viruses affecting the grape and wine industry. The Washington state wine, grape and grape juice industries provide approximately 19,000 jobs and contribute $ 3 billion annually to the state’s economy. Washington is the largest producer of juice grapes and the second largest producer of premium wine grapes in the United States. Around 900 Pacific Northwest wineries depend upon the production of quality wine grapes. This project would help to ensure that planting materials entering the Northwest are virus-free, that our vineyards remain virus-free, and that we prolong the longevity of the industry.
Potato Breeding Lines for Biotic and Abiotic Yield
Agriculture Research Service
24106 N Bunn Rd
Prosser, WA
$61,000 for ongoing research at the Agriculture Research Service facility in Prosser to develop and evaluate new varieties of potatoes with special attention to disease, pest, and stress resistance, as well as yield and quality characteristics. This funding supports cooperative research with Washington State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Idaho to evaluate the genetics of seeds provided to farmers to help them plant potato crops that will succeed in their unique soil and weather conditions. (Biotic refers to living stressors, such as fungi or insects, while abiotic refers to non-living stressors, such as intense sunlight, wind or flooding) Research done in this program has a direct impact on growers throughout the region, and provides for the profitable and sustainable production of potatoes. Washington state is the second largest producer of potatoes in the U.S., producing 23 percent of all domestic potatoes. The potato industry in Washington state directly and indirectly generates over $3.4 billion annually and creates over 20,000 jobs.
Potato Research
Washington State University
P.O. Box 643140
Pullman, WA
$1 million for research to develop and commercialize new potato varieties that benefit all segments of the Northwest potato industry. These funds are critical for sustaining the potato industry and providing a healthy, inexpensive food supply for American consumers. New potato varieties help improve quality, bring increased yield, and require less fertilizer and pesticide, increasing profitability and lessening environmental impact. Washington is the second largest producer of potatoes in the U.S., producing 23 percent of all U.S. potatoes. The potato industry directly and indirectly generates over $3.4 billion throughout the Washington economy annually and creates over 20,000 jobs in the state.
Washington Agricultural Competitiveness
Washington State University
P.O. Box 643140
Pullman, WA
$469,000 million to identify and expand international trade opportunities and domestic marketing opportunities for Washington state agricultural products. Washington state's $42 billion food and agriculture industry employs 160,000 people and contributes 13% percent to the state's economy. More than $14.8 billion in food and agricultural products were exported through Washington ports last year, the third largest total in the U.S. Exporting Washington agricultural goods to foreign nations and marketing our products in new domestic markets will support this important industry and create new jobs across the state.
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