OLYMPIA — The state Senate unanimously passed a bill making it easier for future farmers to get hands-on training and experience through internships.

Senate Bill 6349 is co-sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake. The bill allows for a sub-category under the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) allowing interns to work on farms with more ease.

The bill was introduced after L&I conducted audits on small farms resulting in the potential of ending internship practices on small farms due to non-compliance with state law. Current state law does not have a classification for farm interns leading to intern employers being subject to the Minimum Wage Act, Industrial Insurance Act, Employment Security Act and Industrial Welfare Act.

“The average age of a Washington farmer is 57 years old,” stated Holmquist. “Having grown up on a farm myself, I believe that we need to do whatever we can to encourage young people to get involved with agriculture.”

She serves as the lead Republican on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

The bill allows for farms with gross sales less than $250,000 annually to establish internship programs for people interested in becoming a farmer but are not enrolled in agricultural classes.

The bill awaits action from the House Commerce and Labor Committee.