The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is creating a new full-time position to assist Washington small grain farmers in learning more about the additional NRCS funding opportunities provided through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Although the IRA does not create any new programs, nationally it has given $19.5 billion in additional funds to NRCS’ current programs.
“With this expansion in NRCS program funding through the IRA, even farmers who are well acquainted with NRCS and its traditional programs may not be aware of the additional opportunities that now exist. The purpose of creating this new position is to have a person focusing solely on bringing information about NRCS’ programs to our wheat growers throughout Eastern Washington,” WAWG Executive Director Michelle Hennings explained. “The person hired for this job will work out of the WAWG office in Ritzville, report to me but will work closely with the Washington state NRCS team to educate our growers.”
“Reaching out and building trust with producers is incredibly important to us,” said Roylene Comes At Night, NRCS‐WA State Conservationist. “Outreach is essential because our agency is facing a once‐in‐a‐generation opportunity to help producers through the Inflation Reduction Act. We’re excited to continue our strong partnership with the Washington Association of Wheat Growers by funding this outreach position, so we can continue to work together to best support all producers in Eastern Washington, and small grain producers statewide.”
These new conservation funds are in addition to NRCS’ farm bill funding and are targeted at climate-smart mitigation activities and other voluntary conservation activities that facilitate them.
Find job description here. Deadline to apply has been extended to April 1st.