Securing funding for WSU’s organics research

July 22, 2003

The Honorable Patty Murray
United States Senate
2988 Jackson Federal Building
915 2nd Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174-1003

Dear Senator Murray,

I’m writing to thank you for supporting the organic crop research and education program at Washington State University.

We understand you were instrumental, and successful, in getting the Senate Agriculture Appropriations committee to raise funding for the organic cropping initiative at WSU to $250,000. Given current budget constraints, it’s wonderful to see an increase.

We appreciate how you have championed the program. We hope it will clear the House and conference process for full funding.

We believe that strengthening sustainable agricultural practices — those that do not rely heavily on oil-based inputs – serves to strengthen our national security. Strengthening local food systems further strengthens our security.

Thank you, on behalf of our 40,000 member households for supporting this important measure.

Sincerely,

Mr. Tracy Wolpert, Chief Executive Wolpert
Mr. Randy Lee, Chief Financial Officer

cc: Representative George Nethercutt