Talking With Lawmakers Doesn’t End When Session Wraps Up

Advocating for the farming community during the legislative session is of vital importance, especially in Washington where so many citizens are disconnected from the Ag community.  But telling that story doesn’t conclude when the legislative session comes to an end.

State Representative Joe Schmick says a month after the 2026 session came to a close, it’s just as important for farmers and growers to reach out to lawmakers and share what’s taking place on today’s farm.

“Those relationships are important, and we just have to continue doing that," the Colfax Republican said.  "And it's up to us too. We're the spokesman, too.  You know as legislators that are familiar with Ag we've got a responsibility to keep talking about it, [talk about] the challenges that growers face every single day, to make sure that they're there tomorrow and producing food and fiber.”

Schmick said agriculture was front and center during several conversations about food insecurity, which has become a growing problem across Washington.

“But we always try to steer that conversation back to if a grower, if his labor costs are too high, he's more apt to leave fruit hanging in his field than he is to pick it," Schmick said.  "And when you talk to Democrat lawmakers about that, it stops them in their tracks.  They had no idea, that they can't even afford to pick it, to give it to the food bank if they desire.”

If you live in Washington, Click Here to contact your state representatives or senator now that the session has concluded.

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