The bill establishes a new grant program aimed at promoting local workforce development, reducing transportation pollution, and enhancing food sovereignty and climate resilience for farmers in Washington State. The program, to be administered by the department, will provide funding to farms that meet specific criteria, including growing handpicked specialty crops sold locally, hiring domestic agricultural workers, and being owned by state residents. Eligible farms can receive grant funding equivalent to eight weeks of paid overtime during peak harvest, with a maximum of $40,000.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 50.75.020 to include the administration of this new grant program as one of the duties of the office of agricultural and seasonal workforce services. This amendment adds a new responsibility for the office, which already handles foreign labor certification applications, processes complaints, conducts field checks, and provides training and outreach to employers. The inclusion of the grant program aims to further support local agricultural initiatives and workforce development efforts.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50.75.020