Washington Wheat Growers Keeping A Close Eye On Olympia & D.C.

It’s been a busy winter for Washington wheat growers and not just because of the large amount of snow the area saw in February.  Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers said activity in D.C. and Olympia are keeping them busy.  She said one of the top federal priorities is the ratification of USMCA.  Hennings added Washington is one of the most trade dependent states in the U.S., so deals like USMCA are extremely important to local growers.

“So, all of our Congressional leaders are very supportive of trade agreements.  And there were a few concerns about a couple of aspects of the USMCA, but for the most part they felt like it would go through.

She noted there is a hope the House will vote on USMCA this spring.  When it comes to state issues, Hennings said the legislation focuses on slavery, H2-A and the budfget are all top priorities.  But another issue focuses on DNR.  She said House Resolution 1964 would prohibit DNR stopping a lease early without written consent from the lessee, unless the lessee is in default.

“We have been working towards and with other Ag commodities to try to get more transparency from the Department of Natural Resources and how they have their leases with farmers. So, this is a bill that we support, and we’d like to see more transparency on how they work their leases, how they calculate rental rates.”

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