Summary/Abstract
This bill creates a grant program to incentivize farmers and ranchers to reduce fossil fuel inputs and increase sequestered carbon. The WA Department of Agriculture, in consultation with Washington State University, the State Conservation Commission, the National Resource Conservation Service, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources must create a system to estimate, measure, and verify outcomes for the sustainable farms and fields grant program. The bill requires that 80% of the funds go directly to producers in the form of grants for farming processes that reduce emissions, increase organic matter, and build healthy soils. The remaining funding covers educational campaigns and technical assistance to grant applicants.