We're making our website easier to use

In an effort to provide a more useful resource for our members and the public, we are updating our website. If you are unable to find something you once found on our site, please contact us at info@wafriends.org.

Free waste pesticide disposal event to be held near Longview in June

Contact WSDA by May 2 to sign-up

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), in cooperation with Cowlitz County Public Works and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, is sponsoring a free pesticide disposal event at a site near Longview on June 20. Interested persons need to contact WSDA by May 2 to sign-up.

Due to limited funding and regulatory requirements, disposal must be pre-arranged and "drop-ins" are not possible. Call (360) 902-2056 or e-mail wastepesticide@agr.wa.gov to reserve your spot at the June collection.

For more information, visit the WSDA Waste Pesticide Program website.

Executive Director, Heather Hansen writes for Western Fruit Grower

Why should you be an advocate for pesticides?

Isn't that looking for trouble? The Internet, TV, and magazines are full of inaccurate stories about pesticides. The public only knows what they've heard.

Executive Director, Heather Hansen writes for Western Fruit Grower. Read the rest of the article here.

WFFF member?

Are you a WFFF member?

We represent your interests to our state's legislators and policymakers.

Our large, diverse membership gives us a unified voice and a better opportunity to share our message with our State's legislature, regulatory agencies, the media and the public: Pesticides, when used responsibly and according to label instructions, are beneficial and safe.

We keep up on the science and regulations letting you focus on your business.

Pesticide and fertilizer use can be affected by many things - lawsuits under the Endangered Species Act or the Clean Water Act; changes in regulations at the state departments of Agriculture, Ecology and Labor & Industries; bills passed by the Washington State Legislature.

Your business may also be affected by regulations governing transportation, labor, taxes and more. We monitor all of these and keep you up-to-date on what you need to know.

We monitor the media for stories that may affect public perception of your business.

You'll have a heads-up on important breaking news through our member communications system.

If you would like to become a member:

Please complete our online application or email linda@wafriends.org for a membership package.

Hansen honored

Director Hansen honored

We're proud of our Executive Director, Heather Hansen, who received the 2011 Women's Leadership Through Service Award from the Washington State Horticultural Association. Congratulations, Heather! Read the story here.

Education and Outreach

Education and Outreach

Bruce Alber educates foresters

Washington Friends of Farms & Forests actively engages in a variety of outreach activities to increase awareness and understanding of the critical roles that pesticide and fertilizer products play in the economy, the environment and everyday life.

Our primary focus is state issues, but some topics, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) the Clean Water Act (CWA), environmental sustainability and worker safety cross all boundaries.

We advocate for applicators, dealers, and growers at the state level and team up with other state and national organizations to work on regional and national issues. Members include agricultural producers and organizations, timber producers, agricultural suppliers and urban applicators.

WFFF serves as a resource and an advocate for pest management and plant health issues by using science to communicate with the media, the public, regulatory agencies and elected officials about the benefits of managing pests to protect our health, our food supply and our environment.