Washington’s Farmers Watch Budget Conversations Closely

Depending on the figures used, the state of Washington faces a budget deficit of between $2.3-$10 billion, or potentially even more.  And Governor Bob Ferguson and lawmakers in Olympia have said cuts to the 2025-2027 budget will be needed to make the numbers balance.

What Kind Of Support Does Agriculture Enjoy In Olympia?

Ron Muzzall, member of the state Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, anticipates that the tax increases will also be proposed as well, which he said the state does not need.  He noted the lack of attention farming gets in Olympia is one of the biggest struggles the sector faces.

“We had a report, Agriculture and Natural resources meeting the other day about the dire situation, presented by the Director of Ag and also by the Washington Policy Center. And what is shocking to me is how we've got members of the legislature that either are not connected or they don't care," Muzzall said.  "And I don't understand that; this is their food they're talking about.”

The western Washington Republican noted that he’s never seen a climate where the farm economy is so poor for so many different commodities.  And Muzzall said while weather and international issues can negatively impact the farming industry, much of the problem now is due to policy decisions made in Olympia.

State Regulations Are Hurting Washington Farmers

“Whether it's about labor or whether it's our fuel costs. I mean, certainly now we're beginning to see some relief from the Carbon Commitment Act, but it still has an impact on the transportation of that food to the grocery store," Muzzall added.  "And we just, again and again, I heard the other day that there was fruit that never got picked this year because it wasn't worth the labor to pick it. That isn't sustainable.”

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