Washington State Department of Agriculture

Washington_State_Department_of_Agriculture

== Washington State Department of Agriculture ==

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is a state agency of Washington responsible for the regulation and promotion of the state's agricultural industry. The department's mission is to support the agricultural community and promote consumer and environmental protection.

History

The WSDA was established in 1913 to oversee and support the agricultural sector in Washington. Over the years, the department has expanded its functions to include a wide range of services such as food safety, pest control, and market development.

Functions

The WSDA performs several key functions:

• **Food Safety and Consumer Services**: Ensures the safety of the food supply through inspections, laboratory testing, and regulatory enforcement.
• **Pest Program**: Manages pest control programs to protect crops and natural resources from invasive species.
• **Commodity Inspection**: Provides inspection and certification services for agricultural products to ensure quality and facilitate trade.
• **Animal Health**: Monitors and controls animal diseases to protect public health and the livestock industry.
• **Market Development**: Promotes Washington agricultural products in domestic and international markets.

Divisions

The WSDA is organized into several divisions, each focusing on specific areas of the agricultural industry:

• **Food Safety and Consumer Services Division**
• **Pest Program Division**
• **Commodity Inspection Division**
• **Animal Health Division**
• **Market Development Division**

Key Programs

• **Farm to School Program**: Connects schools with local farms to provide fresh, locally grown produce to students.
• **Organic Food Program**: Certifies organic producers and handlers to ensure compliance with national organic standards.
• **Small Farm and Direct Marketing Program**: Supports small farms and direct marketing efforts to enhance local food systems.

Leadership

The WSDA is headed by a Director, who is appointed by the Governor of Washington. The Director oversees the implementation of policies and programs and ensures the department's goals are met.

Related Pages

• Agriculture in Washington (state)
• Washington State Department of Health
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Food safety
• Pest control

See Also

• Agriculture in the United States
• List of state departments of agriculture in the United States