SEATTLE — The Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network honored Royal City farmer Jim Baird with WSFFN’s 2015 Advocacy Awards at the annual Harvest Celebration Fundraising Dinner in Seattle on Sept. 21.

Also honored was State and Rep. Marcus Riccelli of Spokane. Baird and Riccelli “have contributed significantly to WSFFN’s vision for a vibrant food and farming culture across Washington State,” Executive Director Ellen Gray said.

Riccelli was honored for his leadership, determination and skillful expertise negotiating the halls of Olympia to secure $5 million to establish the Healthy Kids Healthy Schools Grant Program.

Jim Baird, owner of Cloudview Ecofarms and Baird Orchards near Royal City was recognized for his ecologically sound farming practices, his passion to create opportunities for beginning farmers, and his unwavering commitment to healthy Washington-grown food for schools.

The Harvest Celebration Fundraising Dinner took place at Melrose Market Studios. Members of the sustainable community were treated to a delicious dinner prepared by legendary Chef Kaspar Donier of Kaspar’s Special Events & Catering. It was made from fresh, Washington-grown food donated by 22 Washington farms and businesses.

WSFFN’s mission is to educate, organize and advocate for food and farming systems to become economically prosperous, ecologically sound and socially equitable.