The Administration announced a tentative deal (Agreement in Principle) with the Canadian Government on the Columbia River Treaty.

The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID), along with its partners, are seeking funds to construct surface water distribution systems to replace acre for acre groundwater irrigation on approximately 70,000 acres in the Odessa Subarea including 164,000 acre feet of new diversions from the Columbia River. Funding is being sought through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program authorized by Public Law 83-566 (P.L. 83-566).

WSDA is offering 1-1 consultations with their In-Market Representatives from SE Asia, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Mexico, and Central America.

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) website, potatoes.com, is packed with information and features valuable educational resources for potato growers and consumers.

There are two opportunities to attend the annual PNW Fumigation Stewardship Training. The first training takes place on August 13, 2024 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Washington. On August 14, 2024, an identical training will take place at the 3 Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Washington.

Seasonal wildfires in our area can fill the sky with smoke, and exposure to smoke presents health risks to all workers, especially those working outside.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to purchase Potato Products for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs.

The Washington State Potato Foundation will be hosing a casual social event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Medium sized businesses are now eligible to be included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program. Their inclusion makes them eligible to apply for assistance for a percentage of the costs associated with obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. In addition, program assistance has been expanded for 2024 and 2025 expenses.

Last week, a $50 million dollar surplus commodity purchase for potatoes was announced by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

As drought declarations have become more prevalent in Washington State, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is offering $1.7 million in drought planning and preparedness grants