WSDA

Because of ongoing problems with the Japanese beetle, the Washington state Department of Agriculture has adopted a quarantine for the Grandview area.  Starting September 15th, the movement of certain items will be limited in the infested area, in an effort to prevent the spread of the invasive pest.  Those i...

The Entomological Society of America has adopted “northern giant hornet” for the species Vespa mandarinia in its Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List.  While there was no official ESA common name until now, the hornet has been most often referred to as “Asian giant hornet” or “murder hornet” since its introduction in North America became widely known in 2020. The Washington State Dep

In an effort to strengthen the Washington farm workforce and encourage people to seek jobs and in ag labor, and stay in ag labor, the state recently rolled out a new program designed to improve managers.  Ofelio Borges with the Washington State Department of Agriculture said currently many of the people in supervisory roles were not given the leadership training needed to ensure workers are treate

On Thursday, the Washington state Department of Agriculture announced that nearly $3 million is on the table for farm to school efforts.  The hope is to get more locally grown food on the lunch trays of schools across the state.  WSDA is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023.  Applica...

Late last week, Washington State Department of Agriculture entomologists confirmed the first report of Japanese beetle larvae for the year.  This is the first report of a larvae or grub confirmed in the beetle infestation area near Grandview, WA.  A ...

In an effort to help relieve expenses associated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington state Department of Agriculture will make more than $2.4 million in assistance available. The funds come to the WSDA via the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program ...

According to the Washington state Department of Agriculture two more flocks recently tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Both backyard flocks were located in King County. The WSDA is responding to the outbreak and is urging flock owners to focus on biosecurity and keep domesticate birds away from wild waterfowl ...

With pollinator numbers dropping around the United States, some homeowners will leave dandelions in their yard saying they’re trying to help the honeybees with a source of food. While their intentions may be good, the Washington state Department of Agriculture said dandelions are not the best for bees. ...

With nine cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in seven counties across Washington, the state veterinarian has requested that live market poultry sales stop for the next 30 days. Washington state veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle noted the risk is real ...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture plans to start its efforts to eradicate the Japanese beetle infestation in south central Washington Monday, May 2nd. The Department says all together, it plans to treat around 2,000 acres in the Grandview area in both Yakima and Benton counties ...