Photo credit: Leslie Michel, WSDA
WSDA’s Compost Reimbursement Program Closes, But Soil Health Momentum Lives On
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Compost Reimbursement Program, which has played a key role in expanding compost use on farms across the state, will come to an end on June 30, 2025.
June 16, 2025
Author: Dani Gelardi
After two impactful years of supporting compost use on Washington farms, the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Compost Reimbursement Program will sunset on June 30, 2025. As the program did not receive funding in the 2025–2027 state operating budget, it will not accept new applicants going forward. However, current participants will still be reimbursed — be sure your signed invoice is submitted by June 30!
Funded by the Washington State Legislature in the 2023-2025 state operating budget, the Compost Reimbursement Program was launched to help farmers offset the cost of applying compost, to gather data about the soil health and climate change impacts of compost use, and to improve Washington’s waste management infrastructure by stimulating the commercial compost economy. And it worked! More than 200 farms across Washington (figure 1) participated in the program, using compost to boost yields, increase organic matter, improve water retention, and reduce the need for synthetic inputs. In 2024, an estimated 880 metric tons of CO2eq were reduced on farms using the compost from this program, or the equivalent emissions from using 99,021 gallons of gas. Even higher greenhouse gas reductions are anticipated from the farms who participated in 2025.
Figure 1. Map of farms who participated in the Compost Reimbursement Program during its two impactful years of operation.
For more information on how this program helped farmers across Washington, watch this Washington Grown segment on a father-daughter dryland farming team in St. John.
Though we’re sad to see this program conclude due to lack of funding, there’s still good news: momentum around compost use and soil health is growing, and many other resources are available to support this work.
Farmers and gardeners interested in continuing or starting compost application can explore:
- WSU’s “Dig into Compost” Series: Resources, scientific studies, and guides on using compost at multiple scales https://csanr.wsu.edu/dig-into-compost/
- Department of Ecology’s Compost Locator Map: Find a compost retailer near you https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-recycling-waste/organics-and-food-waste/managing-organics-compost
- Sustainable Farms and Fields: Work with your local conservation district to secure costshare funds for compost application https://www.scc.wa.gov/programs/sustainable-farms-fields
- NRCS’ Soil Carbon Amendment (CPS 336): Apply to the Natural Resources Conservation Service for costshare to use compost and increase soil carbon https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/soil-carbon-amendment-ac-336-conservation-practice-standard
WSDA extends its sincere thanks to all the farmers, partners, and advocates who took part in the Compost Reimbursement Program. Your commitment to building healthier soils is helping pave the way for a more sustainable future for Washington agriculture.
Questions about current contracts? Reach out to compost@agr.wa.gov.
Let’s keep growing healthy soils together!
Photo credits: Leslie Michel, WSDA
Dani Gelardi
Dani Gelardi is the Senior Soil Scientist and Climate Coordinator at the Washington Department of Agriculture where she leads soil and climate efforts for the agency including the Washington Soil Health Initiative.
This article was published by the Washington Soil Health Initiative. For more information, visit wasoilhealth.org. To have these posts delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the WaSHI newsletter. To find a soil science technical service provider, visit the Washington State University Extension website or the Washington State Conservation District website.