washington state department of agriculture

Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed October 2nd as Taste Washington Day.  Annette Slonim with the Washington State Department of Agriculture said historically, the event takes place the first Wednesday in October as a way to celebrate the foods grown in the Evergreen state and served in school lunchrooms.   “...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has expanded the Japanese beetle quarantine in the south-central portion of the state.  The original quarantine was established in 2022 and included 49 square miles in the Grandview area.  But, be...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is considering establishing a quarantine of untreated out-of-state firewood.  The Department is looking to prevent the introduction of plant pests and bee pests.  The movement of firewood containing plant pests and bee pests poses a threat to Washington’s forests, agricultural, and environmental interests.  Eggs, larvae, and ...

While no detections have been reported this year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is asking everyone to be on the lookout for the Northern Giant Hornet.  Formerly known as the Asian Giant, the Northern Giant is the world’s largest hornet, coming in at 1.5”-2” in length...

If you’re interested in participating in the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s new Compost Reimbursement Program, you still have time.  Applications will be accepted until September 12th.  All commercial Washington farmers – including those in agriculture, silviculture and aquaculture – are eligible for the program.   Participating farms are eligible f...

Starting Thursday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will accept applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant.  Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $250,000 per project and projects may last for up to three years.  WSDA’s ...

In the thick of the fall wild bird migration, Washington state veterinarians confirmed the state’s 17th county, and 44th flock infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Japanese beetle made an appearance in Washington again this year and that prompts what comes next in the state eradication program.

Small but mighty, the spongy moth can do some major damage to trees and shrubs not only in Washington state but across the country.

At the height of the pandemic, as many as one in three Washingtonians experienced or were at risk of experiencing food insecurity.