Advocacy Vital During Final Days Of The Session & Beyond

The Washington Legislative session is scheduled to wrap up Thursday, March 12th.  And during the final weeks, the House will talk about Senate bills, while the Senate will focus on the work from the House, determining what should continue on to Governor Bob Ferguson.

Stories Change Minds, Not Arguments

While windows for providing testimony during the 2026 session are starting to close, that doesn’t mean advocacy is no longer a priority.  Senator Ron Muzzall said it's important, even after the session wraps up, that the farming community talk with lawmakers about the pressures they are facing, and the best way to do that is through tours and education efforts.

“The truth of the matter is minds are changed by stories, not by arguments," Muzzall said.  "And them being able to identify that, you know, 99% of our farms, no matter what the corporate structure, are still family farms. These are real people who are out there doing something they love, because we don't necessarily do it for the money. We're out there doing something we love to produce a wholesome product that goes to their grocery store.”

Muzzall added it’s important the farmers educate those not familiar with farming not only about planting, growth and harvest, but how policy from Olympia impacts their ability to do their job.

Support Washington Farmers and Ranchers

“As you pass laws that affect the cost of production in Washington state, that means that you have a responsibility to buy products from Washington state," Muzzall added.  "We cannot compete with other states that don't have the environmental, economic, labor laws that we have.”

Muzzall added it’s important that all Washingtonians buy local to help producers that face high input costs and a mountain of regulation.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com