ECOnorthwest partnered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture to develop the state’s first comprehensive Climate Resilience Plan for Washington Agriculture. The effort was designed to identify and address climate risks facing Washington’s diverse agricultural sector while supporting long-term economic viability, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. ECOnorthwest led a rigorous, multi-pronged process that included a synthesis of peer-reviewed science (led by Washington State University (WSU)) and climate resilience policies, extensive stakeholder engagement, and an assessment of current WSDA programs. This process informed the development of actionable strategies to guide WSDA’s investments and policies in alignment with recent legislative and statewide planning mandates, including the Climate Commitment Act and House Bill 1170.
The resulting plan outlines measurable goals, strategies, and actions to help producers and farm communities prepare for and adapt to a wide range of climate impacts—from water stress and extreme weather to shifting pest pressures and infrastructure vulnerabilities. In collaboration with WSU and Triangle Associates, ECOnorthwest helped ensure the plan was grounded in current science and inclusive of producer and other key stakeholder perspectives. The plan positions WSDA as a key leader in statewide climate resilience implementation, providing a practical roadmap for supporting the long-term vitality of Washington agriculture.
