How Can Lawmakers In Olympia Help The Ag Community?

With the 2018 Legislative Session just around the corner, what can state lawmakers do to help the farming community grow and proper.  Brad Peck, Franklin County Commissioner say he wants to see lawmakers work to make agriculture, already a $10.6 billion industry, more viable.

“You know, as commodity prices go up and down and taxes escalate, it gets tougher and tougher. And make no mistake, anyone who is paying attention knows that the ag industry here in our country and surrounding counties is a multibillion dollar industry.”

Peck noted he would like to see the ag industry enjoy some of the initiatives used to attract or keep large western Washington companies, like Boeing, Starbucks and Microsoft in state.

“There’s great effort lobbied there to provide tax incentives and incentives for development and for investment, and you know, Eastern Washington needs equal treatment, and we need to make sure our ag community is understood and respected for the economic horsepower that it delivers.”

Peck said it’s everyone’s responsibility in Washington to help agriculture be successful.  He says when ag is successful, taxes are paid, life goes well and we all eat well.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com