The Capital Press reports that organic agriculture acreage in Washington State "increased by an estimated 27 percent between 2006 and 2007."

We are well on our way to creating an agriculture industry that relies very little on petrochemical inputs (made from petroleum and natural gas). This type of farming also lures more people to purchase organic food, much of which is available very near our homes.

The Institute's Community Food Grant and its ongoing relationship with Comunidad y Comunidad has helped initiate change that leads to more healthy and sustainable farming. The increase in organic acreage demonstrates the strong draw of such practices, surely a sign of better things to come from this agriculture sector (and to our plates).