The Institute for Washington’s Future was awarded a grant from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant program for $28,650 to pursue the feasibility of oilseed harvesting in the Snohomish River Valley. IWF conceived this project in anticipation of the Snohomish Biodiesel Project, a public/private partnership led by Snohomish County that will produce biodiesel from locally grown oilseed crops. For the past two years, IWF has assisted with organization of the Snohomish Biodiesel Project through grant writing, technical assistance, and logistical support. We believe this oilseed crushing venture will demonstrate a sustainable model for biofuel production – one that enhances the agricultural vitality of this fertile region without diminishing food production.

Growers in the Snohomish River Valley region of King and Snohomish counties have planted several hundred acres of canola and mustard that they expect to process at the new facility, which includes a seed dryer and crusher. The IWF project will help local entrepreneurs establish an oilseed harvesting operation to ensure participating growers are able to efficiently move oilseeds from the field to the processor. A recent Washington State University study identified “lack of harvesting machines” as a potential barrier to oilseed production in this area.

The USDA grant funds a feasibility study and business planning for a joint venture involving Wolfkill Feed and Fertilizer Corporation, of Monroe, and Green Acres Dairy, of Duvall.

Mustard and canola crops are expected to provide excellent rotation for high-value crops already produced in the Snohomish River Valley. Some growers anticipate an easier transition to organic production with oilseed rotations because mustard and canola plants condition soils to resist diseases, weeds, and other pests.