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WSU’s Small Farms Program was established by the state legislature in 2000, after Washington citizens presented the urgent case for resources dedicated to small farmers. Today’s farmers face growing development pressure, increased environmental regulations and competitive global markets. In partnership with citizens across the state, the program is helping to build a vital future for small-scale farming.
What is a small farm? The USDA National Commission on Small Farms defines a small farm as an operation with annual receipts less than $250,000, and on which day-to-day labor and management are provided by the farm family that owns or leases the productive assets. By this definition, 87 percent of Washington’s growers are operating ‘small farms.’
WSU’s Small Farms Program staff conducts education, outreach and research in partnership with farmers and communities around Washington.
Small Farms Program Staff
Our Programs
Educational Resources for Farmers
Outreach to Communities
- Publicizing the role of local and urban agriculture
- Improving access to fresh, high-quality farm products
- Communicating the impacts of food buying choices
- Promoting healthier families, communities and local economies
- Sustaining farmers and farmland
Team-Based Research with Farmers
- Improving marketing opportunities for small farms
- Enhancing soil quality
- Developing innovative pest management strategies
- Conducting social and policy research
- Supporting land and water stewardship
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