Updated 5/15/08

WSDA helps Washington food and agricultural producers sell their products in domestic and international markets and promotes the agricultural industry.

Grant Funds

Substitute House Bill 1891 established a matching fund program to "enhance access to markets that are growth areas for the industry's product...and to expose buyers to Washington's diverse agricultural products. Commissions, public entities, associations, or nonprofit organizations that represent agricultural and food companies may apply.  Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract.  Individual companies may not receive state funds since the state constitution prevents lending state funds to individual companies.  Marketing promotion grants may be for domestic and international markets.  See list of the grants for FY09 and the grants from FY08.

International Marketing and Export Assistance

WSDA's International Marketing Program staff assist Washington companies to export food and agricultural products.  They work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote exports, and with the Governor's Office and industry to resolve foreign trade barriers.

Searchable Database of Food and Agriculture Suppliers - A list of Washington companies that sell food and agriculture products is available at http://www.impact.wsu.edu/WAsuppliers/. Food buyers and others can search this list of 1000 companies to find specific products and the companies that produce, process, pack, or export these products.

Promoting and Developing Washington’s Food Industry

WSDA helps food and agriculture companies to be more successful. This includes assisting farmers to find direct market opportunities, aiding smaller farmers, and promoting the Washington food and agriculture industry.

Small Farm and Direct Marketing - WSDA's Small Farm and Direct Marketing Program works with farmers, farmers markets, chefs and non-profit organizations to connect consumers directly to farmers who sell fresh, local products. They partner with public and private organizations to increase the economic viability of family farms and strengthen Washington's local food systems.

"From the Heart of Washington" - From the Heart of Washington promotes the purchase of local products by Washington consumers, and raises awareness of agriculture's value to the state's economy and its role in sustaining rural communities.

Marketing and Business Assistance Resources

"The Greenbook" - The handbook of regulations for Direct Farm Marketing PDF (2.50MB) - A comprehensive guide to direct marketing strategies, and contains information about the regulatory landscape governing the sales of farm products in Washington State. It contains an extensive resource section of organizations and relevant publications.

Commodity Commissions

Washington's 25 commodity commissions are industry-funded state agencies that promote and fund crop research and/or the marketing of crops.  WSDA's Commodity Commission program manages the Director of Agriculture's duties related to the state's commodity commissions.

Agricultural Fairs

Washington's agricultural fairs provide educational opportunities for youth and promote agriculture and the welfare of rural Washington.  WSDA's Agricultural Fairs program provides about $2 million in financial assistance to these fairs each year.

[Top of Page]