The King County Agriculture Commission and King County Department of Natural Resources are once again pleased to announce the availability of small community grants to promote and enhance agriculture in the county. These grants are to further the goals established by the King County Agriculture Commission and the County Council through the 1996 Farm and Forest Report.

There will be approximately $100,000 available in late 1998 to distribute for projects ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Through a competitive process, King County will select and finance groups, organizations and some individuals to help achieve the goals of the Farm and Forest Report. The purpose of these funds is to involve the community in projects that benefit King County commercial agriculture through education, marketing, public relations, and funding for agriculture support.

The first round of grants resulted in 13 grants awarded totaling approximately $100,000. Proposals were from farm groups and associations, community organizations, 4-H and FFA clubs, neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, farmer cooperatives, and others. Examples of successfully funded projects include farmers’ markets, a youth gardening project, sheep and wool workshops, and information on alternative crops.

Funded projects will be expected to enhance or improve agriculture in King County and increase the chances that farming will continue into the future. The selection committee is always looking for new ideas for this innovative program. Evaluation criteria used for selection include:

a. Demonstration of how project will promote or enhance agriculture in King County

b. Strength of proposals

c. Demonstrated ability of the group

d. Cost justification and budget

e. Carefully developed measurable objectives

f. Projects provide a demonstrable public benefit

Each proposal will be reviewed by the Agriculture Commission and King County Natural Resources staff who will develop a list of finalists. Finalists will be interviewed and references checked. The King County Agriculture Commission will authorize the final selection.

The Agriculture Commission will sponsor proposal assistance workshops in two areas of King County on September 15 and 17, 1998. Further details about these workshops and Request for Proposals will be available after August 17, 1998. Call 206-205-9888 to leave your name and address to receive an application packet and further details about the workshops. Final due dates of the proposals will be 4:30 p.m., October 23, 1998.