WSDA Study Looks At Ag Viability, Struggles For Farming Community

As of 2024, Washington ranked 50th in the nation for farm profitability.  Why is the farm economic climate so challenging in the Evergreen State?

Earlier this year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture released the first phase of its multi-year Agricultural Viability Study, which showed a host of struggles and challenges for growers and producers across the state.

Take Home Pay For Washington Farmers Well Into The Red

WSDA Ag Economist Madi Roy noted in 2021, Washington was ranked #16 when it came to net farm income.  By 2024, Washington had fallen to #43.

“And at the same time in 2024, we're #8 in production costs," Roy said.  "So, you can see a huge disparity between what producers are actually bringing in and what it's actually costing them. Another key thing we've found is that by looking at USDA Economic Research Service data, our producers have an estimated take-home pay of negative $300 million in 2024. We're the lowest, we have the lowest take-home pay in the nation.”

Some Struggles Are Unique To Washington, Some Are Not

When it comes to the challenges and obstacles Washington producers are facing, Roy noted several are similar, or the same as what farmers are facing in other states.  But in Washington, those challenges are escalated.

“Rising input costs, trade challenges, labor and workforce concerns, increasing land costs and developmental pressures, our growing urban-rural divide, we see that as a huge challenge as well," Roy said.  "Infrastructure, declining research funding, climate conditions, those are kind of the key challenges we outlined in our report, recognizing that there are other things our producers are facing as well.”

Will Washington Invest In Agriculture?

Roy added progress will be made on the farm economy when Ag viability is considered alongside land stewardship, healthy ecosystems, healthy people.

“And we're kind of at this pivotal moment where right now we're seeing things happen in Washington's agricultural economy that are different than what has happened before," Roy said.  "And it's this opportunity for us to invest in agriculture so that our state doesn't allow food production to shift to other regions. And ultimately, we don't lose an opportunity to support our farmers and ranchers as well as our communities.”

Later this summer, WSDA will publish a report that features a large amount of data and analysis on viability in the state.

Click Here to check out the first phase of the WSDA’s study.

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