The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is launching a Relief and Recovery grant program to provide approximately $15,000 to small businesses across four vital agricultural sectors: shellfish growers, farmers market organizations, agritourism farms, and small beverage producers. This grant initiative, made possible through a partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, aims to mitigate the economic fallout experienced by these sectors due to COVID-19-related disruptions. With nearly $15 million in funding available, the program seeks to enhance the health and diversity of Washington's economy. The application period is set from April 9 to April 26, 2021, creating an urgent opportunity for eligible businesses to apply for much-needed financial support. The WSDA emphasizes that these grants are designed to assist those businesses that were already underserved before the pandemic and have been disproportionately affected since.

Interested parties can access more information and apply via the WSDA's dedicated grant webpage. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the resilience of Washington's agricultural landscape while promoting economic recovery. By supporting these essential sectors, the WSDA aims to foster long-term sustainability and growth within the state.