Food Policy Forum

Overview

The Washington State Food Policy Forum (Forum) was created through a Legislative budget proviso in 2016 and charged with making meaningful recommendations for improving the food system in Washington.

To accomplish this, the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and The Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) convened a cross-sector group of food system stakeholders to consider and develop recommendations that have broad support from the Forum’s diverse members. Final report and recommendations in the Resources page.

The 2019 legislature again directed through a proviso that SCC, WSDA and OFP coordinate implementation of the Forum and to develop and report on preferred implementation approaches for the recommendations.

Upcoming Listening Session

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Please join us for a listening session focused on the various patterns and drivers of farmland and agricultural infrastructure loss.

The listening session will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 1-4 p.m. via Zoom.

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‍Also, save the date for the Farm Bill Summit that will be held on October 12, 2022, from 1-4 p.m. More info to come.

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View Meeting Schedule

Food Policy Forum Goals

Increase direct marketing sales and consumption of Washington-grown foods;
Expand and promote programs that bring healthy and nutritious Washington-grown foods to Washington residents;
Examine ways to encourage retention of an adequate number of farmers for small scale farms, meet the educational needs for the next generation of farmers, and provide for the continued economic viability of local food production, processing, and distribution in the state; and
Reduce food insecurity and hunger in the state; and
Identify ways to improve coordination and communication among local food policy entities and communication between the local food policy entities and state agencies

What's New?

SAVE THE DATE: The Farm Bill Summit will be on Oct. 12 from 1-4 p.m. More info to come.
Appointed Members List (05/2022)
Food Policy Forum Recommendations to Legislature (11/2021)
Food Policy Forum Equity Filter (06/2021)
2020 Early Action Implementation Report (08/2020)
2019-21 Legislative Proviso
2019 Food Policy Forum Recommendations to Legislature (06/2019)
2019 Progress Report to Legislature (02/2019)

Get Involved!

Interested in becoming a member of the Food Policy Forum?

Members of the Forum are jointly appointed by the the director of SCC and the director of WSDA with no appointment made unless each concurs. If you are interested in serving as an appointed member, please send your contact information and a description of your interest to Alicia McClendon.

Interested in staying connected?

Send contact information to Alicia McClendon.

Updated September 2019