Tag Archives: Internship

Muzzall bill to save farm internship program signed by governor

In a televised, private ceremony due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Gov. Inslee signed legislation sponsored by state Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor this past Friday. The new law revives a popular and effective farm internship program administered by the state Dept. of Labor and Industries that recently expired.

“Restarting this successful and innovative program is needed given the current state of farming, it’s one that will hopefully provide options in our current economic situation,” Muzzall said. “We know that the program can be a significant help to support smaller farming operations around the state. Keeping the program gives an opportunity for people to explore more career options and a chance for younger generations to be exposed to farming.”

Muzzall’s bill removes regulatory barriers to employ interns generally on small farms. Participants will receive training and other benefits, such as housing, while they may be starting their own farming operations under the pilot program. Begun in 2010, it’s been active in 20 of Washington’s 39 counties before it expired at the end of 2019.

“The future of family farming is at stake nationally and here in Washington. That is a big problem for us since agriculture is such a significant driver of our economy,” Muzzall said. “As a fourth-generation family farmer, I know firsthand that we have to get creative. This program will be extremely helpful to develop a sustainable workforce needed in agriculture.”

The law goes into effect immediately with a sunset date at the end of 2025. It requires a comprehensive report to the Legislature due the year prior to its expiration.

Muzzall legislation would reestablish farm internship program

Farms across the country are facing challenges recruiting the next generation of farmers. Under legislation introduced by state Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor and approved today by the state Senate, the state would revive a pilot program to expose young workers to the agricultural industry through farm internships.

“Young folks don’t always know the options they may have to learn a trade or find a career path,” said Muzzall. “My legislation will open up opportunities for young workers to explore a career in agriculture and, also importantly, support small farms in our state.”

Senate Bill 6421 would direct the state Department of Labor and Industries to reestablish a pilot project that began in 2010 and involved 20 of Washington’s 39 counties when it expired at the end of 2019. The project, which is primarily geared toward supporting small farms, would remove regulatory barriers to employ interns who will receive training and other benefits such as housing while they may be starting their own farming operations.

“This program has had a great deal of success and given the current state of farming, one that is desperately need,” Muzzall said.

“This farm internship program is a unique, innovative, educational opportunity for interns to receive training on small farms. Extending this program will preserve a safe, educational option for interested interns and farmers,” said Scott Dilley, Communications Director for the Washington State Dairy Federation. “We are thankful to Sen. Muzzall for his sponsorship of this bill and for the vote by senators today to move the bill forward.”

This was Muzzall’s first bill to be approved since recently joining the Senate and was approved unanimously. It now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.