Washington Celebrates Farmed Smart Certification

The Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association and the Washington Department of Ecology have partnered together to launch a voluntary certification program.  The Farmed Smart Certification is for farms where dryland crops are grown and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.  Stakeholders toured two of the first certified fields near Ritzville Wednesday.  Ecology Director Maia Bellon told the Washington Ag Network Farmed Smart is an exciting partnership that will benefit Central Washington farmers.

“And what it does, it sets up a safe harbor, under the water laws, and the air laws, for farmers that want to have this direct seed certification, and this Farm Smart certification.  It shows they are doing a lot of things to protect the environment and protect water quality.”

Bellon said farmers that participate in the program get credit for following good ecological practices.  Bellon added the overall environment will prosper from Farmed Smart as well.

“Because it ensures good, clean water, it reduces air quality issues that are related to some of the farming practices that have been happening overtime.  It reduces soil erosion.”

Bellon says DOE is always looking for additional farmers interested in participating in the Farmed Smart Program.  To learn more, or to register your operation, visit DirectSeed’s Website.

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