Growing Washington's Future

The climate is ripe for sustainable agriculture across Washington state.  Since 2004, organic acreage has increased 86%, and Washington now boasts the third highest number of organic farm operations in the country. (Granatstein, Kirby 2008)  Although these numbers are impressive, organic agriculture still accounts for less than 3% of Washington’s farmland.

Conventional agricultural systems rely heavily on the use of pesticides and fertilizers, resulting in food contaminated with pesticides, poor water quality, and threats to the health of farm communities. Washington Toxics Coalition is working to change the future of farming in our state to one that is healthy for people, land, and water, and less dependent on toxic chemicals.

The Washington Toxics Coalition has a long history of supporting sustainable agriculture.  Organic and reduced-chemical farming protects the health of farmworkers, ecosystems, and consumers.  Through research, publicity, and market development, WTC will continue to connect Washington families with safe, healthy food.

WTC's Roadmap to Sustainability

The Washington Toxics Coalition is committed to growing sustainable agriculture through a multi-pronged approach to advocacy:

• Increase market opportunities for sustainable farmers through our Healthy Food in Health Care campaign, bringing organic & sustainably-sourced food to Washington hospitals.

• Advocate for policy changes at the state and local level that support family farms while increasing access to healthy food.
  

• Support researchers exploring alternatives to chemical pesticides through WSU's BIOAg program, and build the economic viability of small farms through WSU’s Cultivating Success program.

• Collaborate with other leaders in the field through the Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network and the Good Food Coalition.

2009 Campaign:

Healthy Food in Health Care

As part of the national Health Care Without Harm campaign, Washington Toxics Coalition is working with Washington hospitals to carry healthier foods, free of chemical pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics.

Eight Puget Sound hospitals have signed a Healthy Food Pledge, signifying an interest in reforming the way they look at food procurement.  Hospitals possess enormous purchasing power, and changes in the way they buy their food have a major impact on our national food system.

In collaboration with Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Washington State Nurses Association, WTC will ask hospitals to begin adopting food procurement models advocated by the Green Guide to Health Care. WTC hopes to increase market opportunities for Washington’s sustainable farmers, keeping our food safe, and our dollars local.

For more information or to get involved, contact our Sustainable Communities Advocate, Kathy Pryor, at kpryor@watoxics.org or at 206-632-1545 ext. 117.