SEATTLE (October 24, 2024) — The Washington State Wine Commission has secured a Specialty Crop Block Grant aimed at enhancing the marketing of its Sustainable WA® initiative, both domestically and internationally. This program marks Washington’s first statewide certification for the sustainability of wine grapes and is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
Kristina Kelley, Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Commission, expressed enthusiasm for the grant’s potential impact. “We’re excited that USDA and WSDA recognized the value of our certified sustainability program. We aim to strategically leverage this funding to boost awareness of Sustainable WA® and Washington wines,” Kelley stated.
The grant, totaling $250,000 over two years, will commence in October 2024. As part of the initiative, the Wine Commission has engaged Seattle-based creative marketing agency GreenRubino to develop a comprehensive awareness campaign for Sustainable WA®.
Kelley noted, “Until now, our focus has been on educating the industry about the benefits of Sustainable WA® in an evolving wine market. This grant is timely as we expand the reach of our Sustainable WA® labeled wines, allowing us to communicate more directly with consumers, trade, and media.”
Launched in 2022, Sustainable WA® represents the Washington wine industry’s dedication to quality fruit, environmental stewardship, and community health. Currently, approximately one-third of the state’s wine grape acreage participates in the program.
Sustainable WA® is a collaborative effort involving the Washington Winegrowers Association, the Washington State Wine Commission, the Washington Wine Industry Foundation, and the Washington Wine Institute. The program is governed by an industry-led council and technical committee, with marketing and communications managed by the Wine Commission.
About the Washington State Wine Commission: The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents all licensed wineries and wine grape growers in Washington State. Established by the legislature in 1987, the WSWC’s mission is to foster the growth of Washington Wine through marketing, communications, and viticulture and enology research. The commission is primarily funded by industry assessments based on grape and wine sales.
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