We have moved

WSDA Ag Briefs Blog can now be found on the
 Washington State Department of Agriculture website.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Cultivating Love: A Valentine's Day Ode from the Washington State Department of Agriculture

 Kim Vaughn
Communications

 As Valentine's Day approaches, hearts are aflutter with love, and what better way to celebrate this special day than by exploring the romantic side of agriculture? 

You might not consider the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) in the same sentence as romance. But hold on, because we're about to unveil the love-filled side of WSDA that ensures your Valentine's Day is as special as can be. 

Beyond the fields of green and the rows of crops, there lies a love story between WSDA, farmers and producers, and the land they cultivate. From flowers to gift baskets, and even the journey to your romantic dinner, WSDA works year-round to make sure you feel loved every single day.

Flowers for that special someone 

When it comes to flowers for your special someone, WSDA is on the case! We play a vital role in flower inspections, ensuring the quality and health of floral products within the state. As part of our regulatory efforts, we conduct inspections to monitor for pests, diseases, and compliance with agricultural standards in the cultivation and trade of flowers. In other words, we make sure there are no unexpected guests, like Japanese beetles, hiding in your roses. These inspections are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the floral industry, safeguarding against the spread of harmful pests, and ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, disease-free flowers.

Our commitment to rigorous flower inspections contributes to the overall health and sustainability of Washington's floral ecosystem, fostering a thriving environment for the cultivation and enjoyment of diverse and beautiful flowers. Nurseries are diligently inspected to ensure that your bouquet is pest-free, so your romantic gesture is as delightful as can be.

Getting you there

The journey to your date is just as important, and WSDA is here to support you every mile of the way. With a focus on both traditional gas and eco-friendly electric vehicles, we make sure that the gas pumps and electric charging stations are delivering everything you pay for. Last year alone, we inspected a whopping 10,788 gas meters, ensuring fueling up is smooth and worry-free. 

The WSDA Weights and Measures Program fosters fairness in commercial transactions by conducting tests and inspections on commercial devices, verifying prices, inspecting packages, educating the public, monitoring fuel quality, and investigating complaints.

Gift baskets and cottage food regulations 

Now, let's talk about those delightful gift baskets and the goodies they hold. WSDA plays a crucial role in ensuring that cottage food operations are producing safe treats for your enjoyment. 

A Cottage Food Permit enables Washington State residents to produce safe food items, including baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, dry spice blends, or dry tea blends in their home kitchen. We make sure that your Valentine's Day treats are not only delicious but also adhere to the highest safety standards. Additionally, we require all ingredients be included on the labels so you don’t get any unexpected surprises in your Valentine’s goodies.

 

So, this Valentine's Day as you exchange flowers, enjoy a romantic dinner out, and savor delicious treats from your gift basket, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts of WSDA. We're your ally in ensuring that every aspect of your celebration, from the blossoms in your hand to the treats on your plate, is filled with love and safety. 

To stay updated on WSDA activities, subscribe to our email lists and receive notifications directly in your inbox.

Cheers to a Valentine's Day made extra special.

With Love, 
WSDA Staff

Take the Climate Resilience Producer Survey

Kim Vaughn
Communications

Navigating climate challenges in Washington's agricultural landscape

Rich soils, diverse climates, and large-scale irrigation infrastructure make Washington one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Washington farmlands and farmers are of global importance, moving more than $17 billion per year in food and agricultural products through Washington's ports, producing over 300 different crops, and generating $12.8 billion per year in agricultural production value for the state economy.

These activities are critical to urban and rural communities alike, providing food security, nutrition, and thriving livelihoods in Washington and beyond.

Extreme weather, invasive pests and disease, and declining water availability are daily impacting agricultural production in Washington. Managing the wide range of potential climate risks and costs moving forward has made livestock and crop production—already challenging and volatile industries—even more challenging. However, with the right support and innovation, Washington farmers are poised to lead the way in building a more economically viable and climate-resilient future. 

The Washington State Department of Agriculture, Climate Resilience Plan, is one important step towards that goal. 

Climate Resilience Plan

To support the continued viability and vitality of Washington agriculture, WSDA has launched an 18-month climate resilience planning process, in partnership with Washington State University. The Climate Resilience Plan will summarize recent climate science, identify vulnerabilities, highlight opportunities, and include newly developed resources. We intend for this work to be informed by the needs and experiences of Washington producers. It is essential that your voice is heard.

Take the survey

Your responses will help us understand the on-farm impacts of climate change, resources in use, and current agricultural needs.

We want to hear from small and large producers from every crop and animal operation in every part of the state.

This information will help us communicate the nuances of climate change in agriculture to industry stakeholders and policymakers, and to build programs that are in direct response to your feedback. Your input is valued and appreciated.

Survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 VISA gift card.

The survey is available in English and Spanish. 

Please take a few minutes to fill out this short, anonymous survey by February 23, 2024.

We thank you for your participation in this effort.