On Friday, the Institute for Washington's Future and the Sno/Sky Agricultural Alliance, a farming group that promotes cultivation of biofuel crops, each received a ceremonial check from the USDA Rural Development division for grants that are helping to build a forward-thinking biofuel infrastructure in Snohomish and northern King counties.  

Kevin Fullerton, the Legislative and Policy Director for IWF, emceed the event and talked about the various components coming together to create a biofuel infrastructure in Snohomish County.  Dale Reiner spoke on behalf of the Sno/Sky Agricultural Alliance which received $96,806 to build storage capacity for grain and oilseed crops.  He talked about how important it is for farmers to be able to have a place to store their crops so they can get the best prices.

Don Hobbs spoke on behalf of the Institute for Washington’s Future which received $28,650 to study options for organizing an oilseed harvesting business in the Snohomish County area.  He discussed the opportunities that a larger infrastructure provide for flexibility for the farmers.  Ryan Hembree, Agricultural Coordinator for Snohomish County, spoke about the county's participation in biofuel development.

Jon DeVaney, state director for Rural Development for the USDA, spoke about mission of his agency, which is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.  He also praised the folks in Snohomish County for developing projects that are good for farming and deserve the attention of the USDA Rural Development.  Additional information on rural programs is available at the USDA Rural Development’s web site.

The ceremony was held at the Qualco Honor Farm outside Monroe.  Afterwards, Dale Reiner led a tour of the anaerobic digester that is turning manure from local cows into methane gas for use in Snohomish County vehicles.  Click here for more information about Qualco and the anaerobic digester.