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 limitations on fund usage: no more than 15% for program development and outreach, 5% for administrative costs, and 20% for any single applicant. The bill also outlines allowable uses for grant funds, including payments for carbon storage, equipment purchases, and services to landowners, while removing previous provisions related to compost spreading equipment.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes prioritizing projects that increase organic carbon in soils, integrate vegetation into agricultural management, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Enhanced prioritization is given to projects that create riparian buffers or pollinator habitats. The commission is tasked with developing metrics for grant application evaluation and must report on the program's performance biennially. Notably, before implementing upfront payments for carbon storage, the commission must evaluate and update the carbon equivalency metric used in the program.

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