What’s Being Done To Address Ag Viability In Washington?

Now is a difficult time in farm country across the U.S.  But many farm groups in Washington argue that times are even more challenging for producers and growers in the Evergreen State.

Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers said during a recent trip to Olympia, she spoke to lawmakers about the issue of ag viability in the state.

“USDA came out with that Washington State Ag ranks 50th in the U.S. in farm take-home income at -$259 million," Hennings said.  "That makes a big statement to legislators when that comes out.”

Educating Lawmakers Is Vital

Hennings noted in an effort to educate lawmakers not familiar with farming, the Association presented the numbers of farming; the low commodity prices, the high input costs and that the state is losing on average about two farms a day.  She stressed something must be done.

Hennings said she and others in the farming community would like to see state agencies conduct a formal Ag economic assessment before rules are passed that increase costs for farmers.

“So sometimes, well, most of the time we feel that some of the legislation comes down on farmers, they don't understand how it affects us," she said.  "And it's like a trickle effect. You know, they have these big ideas, they want to put these bills in place, but they don't do the research to see how it actually affects us.”

A bill this session requiring an Ag economic assessment was heard in the Senate Ag Committee, but did not advance.

Many Issues Remain For Olympia To Address

Hennings added there are several other issues she would like to see addressed by lawmakers, including lubricants under the Climate Commitment Act, Farm Equipment tax exemptions and issues dealing with Ag labor.

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