The Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources at Washington State University invests in research and partnerships to create systems-level solutions for Washington. We work alongside producers, agencies, and scientists to turn small investments into big results.
CSANR has played both direct and supportive roles in shaping sustainability across Washington state. We helped launch the Bread Lab, the Eggert Family Organic Farm, the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major, WSU’s organic research portfolio, and the Washington Soil Health Initiative. By seeding transformative ideas and providing a collaborative space, we help innovations grow into lasting impact.
Our origins
In 1990, WSU held 16 town hall meetings where more than 1,500 Washington citizens recommended how the university could better serve them. Sustainable agriculture and natural resources emerged as a top priority.
The following year, the Washington State Legislature established CSANR. In our early years, we focused on providing reliable information about sustainable agriculture. As sustainability concepts have become part of mainstream agriculture, our role has evolved: today we catalyze cutting-edge research on pressing issues such as climate change, soil health, energy security, and emerging challenges in food and farming systems.
For more than three decades, CSANR has advanced science-based solutions for Washington agriculture—connecting researchers, producers, and communities to shape a more resilient future.