03/12/08 Future of Farming project aims to keep ag profitable

Washington Ag March 12, 2008 What can state policy makers do to help Washington's farming families stay profitable over the next 20 years? Valoria Loveland, Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, says that's what the agency's project called Future of Farming is about; updating a 20-year old strategic plan to be delivered to the legislature before year's end. Loveland: "There has been a lot of discussion with the legislature saying they would really like to be helpful and informed about agriculture's needs and their opportunities and challenges. But they needed a study, or strategic plan they could work from. So as a result of that this legislation passed and we are bringing together as many diverse people within agriculture to help us develop this strategic plant for the next 20 years." A project steering committee representing a broad cross-section of the industry has met to develop a framework for prioritizing discussions. During the spring and summer, listening sessions with farmers, food processors and other members of the public will be held throughout the state. WSDA is currently requesting input through an online survey on the project's Web site: www.agr.wa.gov/fof. I'm Bob Hoff.