Around the Country: As we go to press, the total package for the 2008 Farm Bill is coming in between $5 billion and $10 billion, and it’s not clear where the funds might come from. Hopefully newly-created committees will sort out the details without asking for lengthy extensions on the current bill. www.usda.gov

On April 30th, the FTC is hosting a public workshop on the Green Guides (the rules that govern packaging claims like “recyclable” and “biodegradable”. Watch the webcast at www.ftc.gov

In the State: The Local Farms—Healthy Kids bill passed the state legislature in March. Highlights include new ways of getting local produce into schools by adding a low-income healthy snack program and lifting restrictions on local purchasing. Also look for an expansion of food stamp program availability at farmers’ markets.

In late March, Washington made welcome changes to state law governing distilleries. With substantial lowering of licensing fees, the ability for customers to purchase small amounts of distilled alcohol directly from the producer and the potential for onsite tasting, we expect a renaissance in small-batch distilling. We're not talking moonshine, but high-quality craft vodkas and brandies from local grain, potatoes and fruit. Beginning July 1, expect to see new distilleries popping up all over.

Counties and Cities: King County is working on new menu labeling guidelines so restaurant diners can easily obtain the same information found on grocery labels. While the guidelines aren't finalized, it looks like the standards will affect restaurants with at least 15 locations.
www.metrokc.gov/health

South Sound farmers are developing “the Meat Project”, to fund the building of a USDA-certified mobile slaughterhouse. The certification means small farmers will be able to sell their meat at local markets. Representatives from Pierce, King, Thurston, Lewis, Kitsap and Mason counties hope to have a business plan for the Pierce County Conservation District by May, and a functional facility by December.

While it's not called "the poultry project", the Northwest Agriculture Business Center has worked out a similar equipment program to help North Sound farmers expand their poultry farms to meet local demand for pasture-raised chicken. Beginning this spring, their new Featherman equipment is available for rent to farmers in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.
www.agbizcenter.org