OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington farmers will be reimbursed for their compost expenses in a new state program.

The state department of agriculture will begin accepting applications for its compost reimbursement program in September.

Growers are encouraged to apply early.

“We are anticipating a high number of applicants,” said Amber Betts, public information officer. “We will be accepting applications on a first come, first served basis, until the funding runs out.”

About $1 million will be distributed annually.

For participating farms, the program pays up to 50% of the cost to obtain, transport and spread compost, not to exceed $10,000 per farm per year.

By covering a portion of the cost for purchasing and applying compost, the aim is that more farmers will choose to apply compost to their land, Betts said.

The program will also analyze qualitative and quantitative effects of compost use on soil over time.

The program was mandated by the state legislature. The department hasn’t researched how many farmers currently use compost, Betts said.

All commercial Washington farmers are eligible, including those in silviculture and aquaculture.

Participants must agree to conduct soil sampling before and for several years following the compost application. Compost must be purchased from a business with a solid waste handling permit.

Producers must first apply and be approved for the program, ensuring that their business and compost source are eligible. Once approved, program participants must sign a grant agreement contract and conduct pre-application soil sampling before applying the compost.

After expenses are incurred, applicants will submit a reimbursement application for their total expenses.

Farms may sign up to be notified when the state begins accepting applications.

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