The Washington State Department of Agriculture is updating their pesticide rules to meet federal standards set by the 2017 update to EPA's Federal Pesticide Certification and Training (C&T) Rule (40 CFR Part 171).

MOUNT VERNON, WA — What an incredible few days at the Skagit Farm Circle! Nearly 550 third graders from across Skagit County visited the Skagit County Fairgrounds last week to explore local agriculture through immersive, hands-on learning. Watching students light up as they discovered potatoes, soil, dairy, wildlife, tractors, and the Skagit watershed is exactly why this event matters. It helps kids understand where their food comes from, and the families who grow it.

Mark your calendars for the 52^nd Hermiston Farm Fair taking place December 3-4, 2025 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC) located at 1705 East Airport Road in Hermiston, Oregon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $3.7 million to four regional projects dedicated to advancing potato breeding, research, and Extension efforts across the country.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has launched a new Agricultural Exempt Fuel Retail Seller Directory providing guidance on which fuels are exempt under the Climate Commitment Act and how retail fuel sellers can register to be included in the directory.

Happy 2026 Water Year! The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, Washington State Climate Office, Oregon State University Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, and Oregon Climate Service is asking for your participation in helping us document weather and climate impacts of the 2025 water year (October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025) for the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho).

November 5-6, 2025 was a fun few days for 3^rd graders in Whatcom County! Nearly 1,000 students from schools across the region visited the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds for the 10th annual Whatcom Farm Circle, a hands-on agricultural field trip hosted by Whatcom Family Farmers.

Washington State is updating its pesticide application rules to align with new federal pesticide safety standards. These changes are designed to enhance safety for applicators, the public, and the environment.

Beginning January 1, 2026, most pesticide license holders will need to complete a Certification & Training (C&T) course or C&T quiz to meet the new EPA standards. These training options cover a broad range of federally required topics.