The bill amends the sustainable farms and fields grant program under RCW 89.08.615, 89.08.620, and 89.08.630, focusing on enhancing agricultural practices that promote sustainability and carbon reduction. Key provisions include the establishment of a grant program that allocates funds to conservation districts and public entities for approved projects, with specific limits on fund usage for administrative costs, educational campaigns, and individual grant awards. The bill also outlines allowable uses of grant funds, which now include support for anaerobic digester digestate and scientific studies related to greenhouse gas emissions, while removing previous provisions related to compost spreading equipment.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes prioritization metrics for grant applications, encouraging practices that increase organic carbon in soils, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance fish habitats. It mandates the commission to report on the program's performance biennially and to maintain transparency regarding project funding and carbon impact. Notably, before implementing upfront payments for carbon storage, the commission must evaluate and update the carbon equivalency metric used in the program, ensuring that the approach to measuring carbon storage is scientifically sound and effective.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 89.08.615, 89.08.620, 89.08.630
Bill as Passed Legislature: 89.08.615, 89.08.620, 89.08.630
Session Law: 89.08.615, 89.08.620, 89.08.630