WSDA Looks To Float Two Proposals Before Lawmakers This Session

While the November Election is still months away, several agencies including the Washington State Department of Agriculture are preparing for the 2017 legislative session.  WSDA Director Derek Sandison says the Department plans to have two proposals before lawmakers.  He told the Washington Ag Network WSDA plans to request additional resources for the Emergency Food Assistance Programs support, Farm to Food Pantry, Farm to Food Pantry, Farm to School and the Farm Direct Marketing Program.

“That will give our additional market opportunities, but at the same time it’ll give us the ability to help meet the needs of low income families.”

Second proposal would increase the fees for livestock inspection services offered by the WSDA.  Sandison said they are working with the livestock industry on what increases can and cannot be proposed.

“The cost to provide those services are out stripping the fees we’re receiving now.  We don’t want to be forced into a situation where we have to reduce the level of service.  The Livestock Inspection Program plays a very important role, in maintaining the health of the state’s livestock,” Sandison said.

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