Manson cidery, farm and Orondo market awarded state ag grant

Rootwood Craft Cidery in Manson. Photo courtesy: Rootwood Cidery.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has awarded over $3.4 million in grants through its Local Food System Infrastructure program to Chelan and Douglas County small farms, businesses and non profits.

Rootwood Cider Company in Manson received $21,750 from the January Equipment Plus grant award, to establish a self-serve farm stand adjacent to its cidery.

Wildnow Family Farm in Manson received $17,700 to support its herb farm.

Other beneficiaries include Cascade Community Markets and Little Owl Farm Market in Orondo.

Small farms and small businesses across the state received 79% of the financial support.

“These grant projects tackle persistent infrastructure barriers faced by local producers that restrict their ability to sell to schools and other markets in their community,” said WSDA Regional Markets Program manager Laura Raymond. “We look forward to continuing to support rural farm economies and ensuring a level playing field for our vital small farms and food businesses.”

“These grant investments are ensuring food business entrepreneurs remain engines for innovation, growth and sustainability in Washington’s vibrant local food economy,” said WSDA Director Derek Sandison. “The high demand for Regional Markets programs is a testament to the continued need for this scale of investment in our local food system.”

Wildnow Family Farm in Manson. Photo courtesy: Chelan Valley Botanicals.