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NEWPORT — A local farm has earned grant funding from the Tilth Alliance Washington State Organic and Sustainable Farming Fund.
Dalkena Highlands, located next to Davis Lake Grange near Cusick, is using the grant funding to add commercial broiler chicken processing equipment to their direct-to-consumer farm operation, according to a Port of Pend Oreille press release. This will expand the farm’s sustainable farming capabilities and enhance their product offerings to local consumers.
The farm independently pursued the grant, but approached the Port for letters of support to strengthen their application.
“Navigating grant applications can be challenging,” Dalkena Highlands owner Honey Smith said in the news release. “But the Port staff’s assistance, especially through their crucial letters of support, helped us showcase the community ties that were essential to our proposal.”
At Dalkena Highlands, Smith said they raise Highland cattle, beef, pork, poultry and eggs, as well as manage market gardens.
Besides receiving letters of support from the Port, the farm participated in Port-led trainings, which were both practical and directly relevant to businesses like Smith’s, she said in the press release. Having access to the Port’s resources was a “game-changer,” and Smith considers the Port a reliable partner in local infrastructure.
“For us, the Port’s support means more than just business,” Smith said in the press release. “It’s about strengthening the foundation of our community and enhancing food security here at home.”
As a county-wide non-taxing port district, the Port serves as a catalyst for economic growth through self-sustaining operations, according to the press release. The Port also serves the community in two key capacities: railroad operations and associate development organization.
While the Port often works on larger infrastructure projects, they also support small business initiatives like Dalkena Highlands’ through their ADO services, said Jessica Garza, Port economic development director, in the news release.
“We are impressed by the initiative shown by Dalkena Highlands in securing this grant,” Garza said. “Their proactive approach to finding and pursuing funding opportunities demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our county forward.”
Like all port districts, the Port balances multiple responsibilities. Since they are a self-sustaining entity, the Port must meet contractual obligations before taking on additional projects.
Port executive director Kelly Driver said in the press release that the Port’s primary responsibility is to maintain financial stability and fulfill existing commitments, especially with railroad operations.
“This foundation of fiscal responsibility allows us to continue serving as an economic development resource for the county,” Driver said in the press release. “When businesses like Dalkena Highlands come to us with well-researched opportunities that align with our capabilities, we’re able to provide meaningful support.”
The approval of Dalkena Highlands’ grant application highlights the advantages of pursuing smaller, private grants, which often have streamlined application processes and faster approval timelines compared to larger government funding programs, according to the press release. All while providing targeted support for sustainable practices to agricultural businesses like Dalkena Highlands.
Business owners interested in learning more about grant opportunities or economic development resources may contact the Port’s Economic Development office at 509-445-1090.
“We encourage other local entrepreneurs to explore similar avenues,” Garza said. “And our team is available to provide guidance and support letters when needed.”
