(Marshall's Note: More proof Western Washington is leading the nation in supporting small farming, and now specifically YOUNG FARMERS, which is incredibly important. WASHINGTON DC = BOOO!!!! WASHINGTON STATE = YAAAA!!)
By a vote of 95 to 2, the Washington State House passed a bill Wednesday afternoon to create a pilot program for small farm internships. Sen Kevin Ranker of San Juan Island, the bill’s sponsor, said “With significant help from farmers and labor we were able to create a pilot that will help us ensure we preserve family farms in to the future.”
Sen Ranker proposed the farm internship program to involve more young people in farming. “The average age of a farmer in Washington is 57 years old,” he said. “If we’re serious about promoting agriculture in Washington, we’re going to have to encourage younger people to get into the farms and get their hands dirty.”
As amended by the House, Senate Bill 6346 requires the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to establish a farm internship pilot program in San Juan and Skagit Counties through the end of next year.
In order to qualify for the program, farmers with gross annual sales of less than $250,000 must submit a written application to L&I for certification, and include the nature of work and how it will provide the intern with vocational knowledge and skills.
The bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence prior to being sent to the Governor for signing. Below are links for additional information:
Senate Bill Report: SSB 6349
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/6349-S%20SBR%20HA%2010.pdf
SB 6349: Establishing a farm internship program
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6349&year=2009
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